Greenwood Departs for Fenerbahçe: Lorenzi Reveals Attacker Wanted to Leave OM 'As Soon As Possible'

Mason Greenwood left Olympique de Marseille for Fenerbahçe for approximately €39 million excluding bonuses, thirteen million more than his purchase price in summer 2024. The day after the transfer was confirmed, sporting director Medhi Lorenzi spoke at a press conference alongside new head coach Bruno Genesio to clarify the circumstances of a departure that had raised questions among supporters.

Lorenzi immediately recalled the particular context surrounding the 24-year-old English winger. “You all know the complexity of the Greenwood situation, given the image the player may have. When we talk about a certain amount, a certain figure we would like to receive, you shouldn’t think there were many opportunities for Mason,” he said.

On the question of who initiated the transfer, the Marseille executive was unambiguous: “Discussions had been held previously to try to find a compromise regarding the player, who wanted to leave. I want to make that clear, because it wasn’t solely the will of Olympique de Marseille. He wanted to leave the club as soon as possible.”

Lorenzi also dismissed speculation about a fire sale. Clubs simply did not come knocking at OM’s door to acquire Greenwood at the figures mentioned in the press. “Between having the will and desire to sell a player for €80–100 million, the market estimated the player was not worth that,” he said bluntly. It should be noted that Manchester United retains 40 percent of the transfer rights of the former Manchester attacker.

The sporting director concluded by justifying the club’s decision on sporting and human grounds: “In relation to what was planned in this matter, the club is getting what it wanted. I can understand he was an endearing player in the eyes of supporters. But for us, keeping a player who doesn’t want to wear the OM shirt with the mentality we wanted—we’re not going to do that.”