Mason Greenwood Signs for Marseille Amid Fan Protests

Mason Greenwood Signs for Marseille Despite Fan Protests

Olympique de Marseille have completed the signing of striker Mason Greenwood from Manchester United, despite objections from some of the French club's supporters. The 22-year-old, who has one cap for England, was suspended by United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. However, prosecutors dropped the charges in February 2023, and Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe in La Liga.

Marseille announced the signing on Thursday, stating that Greenwood had undergone a successful medical. The club made no mention of the allegations in their statement, instead praising Greenwood as a "precocious talent" and an "English nugget." The southern club confirmed that Greenwood will wear the number 10 shirt but did not disclose the length of his contract or the transfer fee paid to Manchester United.

The deal is reportedly worth an estimated €30 million ($32.7 million). Manchester United released a brief statement wishing Greenwood well in his future career.

Before the transfer became official, Marseille's left-wing mayor, Benoit Payan, expressed his disapproval, stating that he did not want the club to be "covered by shame."

Greenwood has consistently denied the allegations. Upon joining Getafe, he said, "I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship."

Greenwood made his Manchester United debut at the age of 17 in the Champions League in 2019. He made his Premier League debut four days later and earned his first England cap in September 2020. The forward made 129 appearances and scored 35 goals for United before his suspension in January 2022.

Greenwood scored 10 goals in 36 games for Getafe last season. His arrival in Marseille comes after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabon international who was Marseille's top scorer last season.

Marseille will face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly on August 3 in Bradford, where Greenwood was born. If he plays, it could be his first game in England since his arrest in January 2022.

Tags: #MasonGreenwood, #OlympiqueMarseille, #ManchesterUnited, #Transfer, #Allegations