The player who has to be England’s best outside the national team who is not injured, Mason Greenwood, is set to be sold this summer. Marseille, who own him, will have to share half of the profits with Manchester United, who still have part of the 24-year-old right winger.
The English striker has been on Atlético’s wish list for years. Now Saudi petrodollars are threatening to crush the Madrid dream after they have outperformed several Italian clubs.
Read: Liverpool and Manchester United in battle for midfield star ‘he’s on his way to the top’
Mason Greenwood is back in the spotlight after it became reasonably clear he would leave Olympique Marseille, he has once again become a top priority for Atlético Madrid in the summer transfer window.
But one thing threatens to ruin everything for “rojiblancos”:
Saudi Arabia.
The club from the desert state is ready to match the transfer fee – and triple the salary Greenwood is offered in Madrid.
€40 million – Atlético puts everything on the table
Atlético are willing to go to great lengths. According to information, they will offer 40 million euros in fixed transfer fees, plus another 5 million euros in variables.
That is close to the French club’s requirements. Marseille, who have Greenwood under contract until 2029, are in a negotiating position they can exploit.
But Atlético’s sporting management has set a limit. They do not want to gamble with the club’s financial balance.
Why Diego Simeone wants him
Greenwood is not just a player – he is key to taking Atlético’s attacking play to a new level.
The coaching staff sees in him an attacker with everything:
- Right winger – his natural position
- Inside runner – can break into the pitch
- Second striker – flexible enough to cover multiple roles
He provides what Simeone loves most: imbalance, speed and finishing ability.
And the numbers from Marseille speak for themselves. 26 goals and 11 assists in 45 games. The season that made him one of the most decisive attackers in French football.
He knows LaLiga – but will it be enough?
Greenwood has already proven himself in Spain. The loan spell at Getafe gave him memories, and he showed that he understands what is required in LaLiga.
Atlético can offer him:
- A long-term contract
- Competitive salary
- Champions League football
- A chance to become a world star at one of Spain’s biggest clubs
But then Saudi Arabia comes into the picture. With a salary cap that is three times higher than what Atlético can match.
Money or honor. What does Mason Greenwood choose?
Manchester United cut the pie – Marseille must think again
There is one more complication: Manchester United are sitting on a resale clause. Every euro Marseille earns at Greenwood, a significant proportion must go back to United.
This means that Marseille will need to bring in more than their competitors to make a profit. And that pushes the price up even further.
Therefore, it is not certain that 45 million euros is enough. Marseille wants more. And the Saudis are willing to pay.
Pessimism spreads at the Metropolitano
In the offices of Atlético Madrid, pessimism is beginning to spread.
The club has stretched itself to the limit. 40 + 5 million euros is the maximum limit for a player they believe can change the team. But they are not willing to lose face – or economic balance – in a bidding war with Saudi Arabia.
Now it’s all in Greenwood’s hands:
What is most important to him? The sport? The project? To become a legend in Madrid?
Or is the paycheck from Saudi Arabia too tempting to say no?
What happens if he chooses Saudi
If Greenwood accepts the Saudis, Atlético will lose their biggest offensive goal in the summer transfer window.
That will force Simeone and sports director Andrea Berta back to the drawing board. Other alternatives must be brought in. And time is running out.
Greenwood is not just a reinforcement. He is the priority.
Summary: Why Greenwood is in danger of slipping
- Atlético offers 40 + 5 million euros – close to Marseille’s requirements
- Saudi Arabia matches the sum and offers three times the salary
- Simeone wants him for his versatility, speed and scoring flair
- Greenwood knows LaLiga from Getafe, but money can tempt more
- Manchester United’s resale clause makes Marseille greedy
- Atlético refuse to gamble – they have set a limit
Mason Greenwood is at a crossroads. His choice will define his career – and the summer transfer window.
Will it be red and white in Madrid, or gold and oil money in the desert?
Morten Hjulmand, the player who got under Mourinho’s skin, signs with Real Madrid rival
