Olympique de Marseille has unequivocally put an end to the intense transfer speculation surrounding their star forward, Mason Greenwood, definitively stating he is not for sale despite persistent rumors linking him with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. This firm declaration from the French club aims to stabilize the player’s future and quash any lingering doubts about his commitment ahead of the new season.
Reports widely circulated in French media earlier this week suggested a strong interest from several prominent Saudi Pro League clubs in acquiring the 23-year-old striker. These rumors gained traction following Greenwood’s exceptional performance last term in Ligue 1, where he remarkably netted 21 goals, re-establishing himself as a formidable presence on the pitch.
Addressing the escalating speculation head-on, Marseille’s astute sporting director, Mehdi Benatia, delivered a resolute statement to the press. Benatia emphatically declared, “Greenwood will stay with us. He is not for sale,” pouring cold water on claims that the club was considering cashing in on their prized asset to secure a substantial profit.
Greenwood’s initial move to the French side from Manchester United last summer involved a reported fee of £27 million, with an additional £3.2 million in potential add-ons. Crucially, Manchester United had reportedly inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause into this agreement, which would have enabled them to make a significant profit if Greenwood were to be transferred again. However, Marseille’s current stance makes such an immediate windfall for the English club highly improbable.
The former England international has been in scintillating form during pre-season, showcasing his exceptional talent and goal-scoring prowess. He has already registered six goals in recent friendlies, including a precise header against Sevilla and an impressive hat-trick against Dutch side Excelsior Maassluis, highlighting his readiness for the upcoming competitive fixtures under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi himself has been a vocal admirer of Greenwood’s abilities, publicly praising his natural talent and predicting a significant future for the player at Marseille. In April, De Zerbi remarked, “Greenwood is a natural talent, thanks to his mother and father. I think Greenwood can be remembered here like the great players. I’m trying to help him reach that level,” underscoring the high regard in which he is held within the club.
Greenwood is also set to benefit from a new partnership up front with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who recently rejoined Marseille after a stint with Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. Aubameyang expressed his enthusiasm for playing alongside Greenwood, noting, “In Saudi Arabia, I had a team-mate who had played with him in Spain and told me he was a phenomenon. I’m happy he’s with us,” suggesting a potent attacking duo for the season ahead.
Greenwood’s remarkable resurgence saw him score 22 goals across all competitions last season, playing a pivotal role in Marseille securing a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 and consequently earning a coveted return to the Champions League. This impressive comeback marks a significant chapter in his career, solidifying his importance to the French club’s ambitious trajectory.
