Mason Greenwood has been hit with a “mercenaries” jibe, as Lazio reveal that they had a £22m ($28m) offer in for the ex-Manchester United forward.
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- Enjoyed loan spell at Getafe in 2023-24
- Linked with clubs across Europe
- Secured permanent move to France
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WHAT HAPPENED?
After seeing allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour dropped in February 2023, Greenwood was cleared to resume his professional career. A loan move to La Liga outfit Getafe was sanctioned, with the 22-year-old impressing in Spain.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The one-cap England international attracted interest from across Europe, with Lazio one of several sides in the race for his signature. Greenwood ended up completing a £27 million ($34m) transfer to Marseille, with a fresh start being embraced in France.
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WHAT LAZIO DIRECTOR SAID
Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani considers his club to have enjoyed a lucky escape, telling of failing to meet the demands of a player that is still rebuilding his reputation: “We wanted Greenwood last year, then there was a hitch with the player – you all know what Greenwood’s problem was. An agent this year approached us with the idea of Greenwood moving to Italy. We gave him a deadline, from there an auction was unleashed and I thought I could go up to a certain limit.
“We offered £22m for 50 per cent of the player, we’re talking about €26m. He preferred to take another path and I say that the best deals are those that aren’t made. I want [Nicolo] Rovella, [Mattia] Zaccagni, players who love the environment where they work. I don’t want these mercenaries, it’s lucky not to make certain deals. I could sell myself for €50,000 more but I have values that my parents passed on to me. If he’s taken another path, we wish Greenwood the best of luck.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Greenwood, who won Getafe’s Player of the Year award last season, netted his first goal for Marseille in a friendly date with Pau FC. He is now working on a long-term contract through to 2029, with United including a sell-on clause in the deal that took him to Ligue 1.
