Mason Greenwood: Atletico Madrid target ex-Man United forward

Atletico Madrid are prioritising a blockbuster raid for Mason Greenwood this summer in a move which would bank Manchester United a significant windfall, according to a report from Spain.

Fichajes reveals Atletico have been “closely monitoring” Greenwood this season with executives “convinced that the English player could become a key piece” in Diego Simeone’s starting eleven.

The Argentine manager wants to add a “versatile attacker with the ability to create imbalances and solve situations” in the final third to his ranks.

Greenwood, 24, has enjoyed a superb start to the season for Olympique de Marseille, returning 11 goals and four assists in 16 matches for the French club. He is Ligue 1’s top scorer and was crowned France’s Player of the Month in November.

His form a continuation of a great debut campaign at the Orange Vélodrome, scoring 22 goals and providing a further six assists across all competitions, while playing as both a right-winger and a centre-forward under Roberto De Zerbi.

And it’s this combination – a proven track record of goals and positional versatility – why Atletico consider Greenwood an “ideal profile” to target this summer, Fichajes reports.

Marseille are said to value their forward at close to €80 million (£70m), given his meteoric rise since arriving from United in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth £26.6m.

This is an eye-watering fee for any club outside of England – but Fichajes reveals Atletico have welcomed new investers at the Metropolitano, strengthening the club’s position in the transfer market, and increasing the chances of a big-money pursuit of targets like Greenwood.

Greenwood joined Marseille last year after United decided to sell the 24-year-old following charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour. He denied all allegations.

The case was against the forward was eventually discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service – but his position within English football had become untenable, and a permanent move to Europe was considered best for all parties, having spent the previous season on loan at Getafe.

The Red Devils included a significant sell-on clause in the deal with Marseille, though the exact nature of it is unclear. Certain reports claim it is worth 50% of any fee the Ligue 1 club receive from a future transfer. Others state it entitles United to 50% of the profits – e.g. any amount greater than £26.6m – Marseille would bank from a sale.

Even if it is the latter, given the £70m asking price Marseille are believed to be demanding, this would still constitute a major boost at Old Trafford, given half of the profits from that fee would equate to a £21.7m windfall.

Not bad a for a player who exited the club nearly eighteen months ago amid a whirlwind of controversy and disgrace.

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