Manchester United is set to receive a significant transfer windfall as Mason Greenwood nears a permanent move to Fenerbahce. Despite a late intervention from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, the forward is expected to finalize his departure from Marseille, triggering a lucrative sell-on clause for the Old Trafford club.
The Impending Fenerbahce Transfer and Financial Windfall
Manchester United stands to benefit financially from Mason Greenwood’s next move, with reports indicating the club will bank over £10 million from a sell-on clause negotiated during his departure to Marseille in July 2024. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement between Marseille and Fenerbahce is essentially complete, with the clubs now finalizing the formal steps required for the forward’s travel to Istanbul.
Photo: Football365
The financial structure of the deal remains a point of focus for United’s transfer budget. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United would receive €14 million (£11.9m) should Greenwood move to Turkey. A potential alternative move to Atletico Madrid—who have also reportedly agreed on terms with the French side—would yield a return of €15.7 million (£13.3m).
Al-Ahli’s Late Hijack Attempt and Player Status
The path to Turkey faced a sudden complication this weekend. Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs revealed that Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli made a direct attempt to hijack the deal, with head coach Matthias Jaissle reportedly speaking directly to the 24-year-old player on Sunday. Despite this late pressure, the Fenerbahce deal remains in an advanced stage, with the Turkish club remaining optimistic that they have already secured player buy-in.
Photo: Manchester Evening News
Manchester United’s Decision on the Buy-Back Clause
With the transfer nearing completion, Manchester United faced a technical decision regarding a buy-back clause included in the original 2024 sale. Romano confirmed that Marseille reached out to United to determine if they intended to trigger the option to re-sign the forward. United explicitly declined the opportunity, effectively signaling that a return to Old Trafford is not in the club’s plans.
After the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape and assault in February 2023, United conducted an internal investigation. In a statement released in August 2023, the club noted: Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
Greenwood’s Performance and Future Prospects
Since his move to Ligue 1, Greenwood has established himself as a key attacking threat, recording 48 goals in 81 appearances for Marseille. His form has drawn high praise, including from former manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously suggested the forward possessed the potential to reach the highest individual honors in the sport.
“At the level of the qualities that nature has given him, that his parents have given him, I think he is worthy of the Ballon d’Or.”
Roberto De Zerbi, via Manchester Evening News
Greenwood, who earned one England cap before switching his international allegiance to Jamaica, recently received his passport for the Caribbean nation in August 2025. As the final details of the Fenerbahce move are settled, the focus shifts to whether the player will provide the final greenlight required to complete his transition to the Turkish Super Lig.
