Benatia reveals OM missed out on Greenwood sale to Atlético Madrid

Mason Greenwood left Olympique de Marseille for Fenerbahçe during the last summer transfer window for 39 million euros, but OM could have done much better according to Medhi Benatia. The former sporting director of the Marseille club, now a consultant, has revealed the behind-the-scenes details of a transfer that fell short of its potential.

Forced to sell to ease their wage bill under pressure from the DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog, OM had tasked Benatia with connecting Greenwood’s agents with several clubs. “At the request of the supervisory board, I put the agents in touch with Atlético Madrid, with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and with Fenerbahçe. They conducted their discussions and their sale,” he explained, clarifying that he did not directly conduct the negotiation.

The Madrid option, the most promising according to him, ultimately fell through due to the English striker’s reluctance. “If the player had been a bit more open earlier, OM could have sold him for more and perhaps in a better league. Atlético Madrid would perhaps have been better for him, but it’s his choice,” Benatia added.

The financial outcome of the deal proved all the more disappointing as OM did not pocket the full 39 million euros. Manchester United, which held 40% of the player’s economic rights, took its share, bringing OM’s net proceeds to 23.5 million euros.