Mason Greenwood is expected in Istanbul on Saturday to undergo a medical with Fenerbahçe as the Turkish club finalises his transfer from Olympique de Marseille. The England forward has agreed personal terms on a lucrative contract worth a reported €9 million to €10 million per season, bringing to an end a protracted summer saga involving clubs from Italy and Spain.
Only Fenerbahce tabled formal bid
Fenerbahçe’s position was strengthened when Marseille sporting director Gregory Lorenzi confirmed that the Istanbul outfit were the only club to submit a formal offer for the 23-year-old. Despite Roma targeting Greenwood throughout the summer and preparing a package approaching €50 million, Lorenzi revealed the Serie A side never actually lodged a bid.
“You all know the complexity of the Greenwood situation, given the player’s image,” Lorenzi said in a press conference on Friday, referencing the domestic violence allegations that prompted his departure from Manchester United. The Marseille director noted that the “market decided the player wasn’t worth” the €80–100 million initially hoped for, with limited interest materialising despite the forward’s strong record in France.
Roma’s hesitation may have been influenced by supporter pressure; fans of the Giallorossi had started a petition urging the club not to pursue the signing. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid withdrew from the race last week after perceiving “nonchalance” from Greenwood, who reportedly told Marseille teammates of his desire to join the Spanish club but took two days to respond to manager Diego Simeone.
Fee structure disputed
The precise financial package remains subject to conflicting reports. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano understands the fee to be €40 million plus €2 million in add-ons, whereas Turkish publication Fanatik suggests a base figure of €39.5 million. Other Italian outlets value the transfer closer to €45 million with bonuses, while Lorenzi indicated Marseille received €39 million plus bonuses.
Uncertainty also surrounds the distribution of proceeds among Greenwood’s former employers. One report suggests Manchester United will receive €10 million through a sell-on clause, equivalent to 40 per cent of the profit. However, alternative claims from Sport Mediaset indicate United are entitled to 30 per cent, with former loan club Getafe receiving 10 per cent.
Marseille cash-in
The sale provides crucial relief for Marseille, who urgently required player sales to balance their books. Greenwood departs just twelve months after arriving from Manchester United, having scored double figures in Ligue 1 last season.
Once the medical examination is completed, Greenwood is expected to sign a four-year contract with Fenerbahçe. The transfer would represent a significant statement of intent from the Turkish giants as they prepare for domestic and European campaigns, while allowing Greenwood to move on from a brief but productive spell in France.