Roma lead race for Greenwood as Marseille's financial pressure forces sale

Roma have moved to the front of the queue to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille this summer, with the Serie A club making contact with the player’s father according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The 24-year-old, who joined Marseille in a £26.6 million deal from Manchester United in 2024, is expected to leave France after the club failed to secure Champions League qualification.

Greenwood produced one of the standout individual seasons in Ligue 1, scoring 26 goals and contributing 11 assists across all competitions in 2025/26, earning a place in the league’s team of the season. That form attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, but Roma are understood to hold an advantage, partly through an existing relationship with Marseille.

Marseille are asking for £43 million for the striker, who remains under contract until 2029. The French club are under significant financial pressure, described as being in a “precarious financial situation” and needing to complete multiple sales before 30 June to satisfy France’s financial watchdog. That urgency may override Greenwood’s own stated preference to stay at the Stade Vélodrome.

Reports from Turkey have also linked Fenerbahce, with presidential candidate Hakan Safi said to be prepared to announce Greenwood’s signing as part of a wider ambition to reshape the club.

Manchester United are set to benefit financially from any deal. The club included a sell-on clause when they sold Greenwood to Marseille, entitling them to up to 50 per cent of any future transfer fee — a potentially significant windfall if the £43 million asking price is met.

Greenwood originally left Old Trafford after United determined he could not remain at the club. He had been suspended following charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour in 2022. He denied all charges, which were subsequently dropped. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Getafe before completing his permanent move to Marseille.

Speaking after receiving his Ligue 1 team of the season award, Greenwood acknowledged a turbulent campaign collectively. “This season has sometimes been difficult collectively, especially in recent months,” he said. “But individually I think I’ve had a good season. There are some incredible players in this team of the year, so it’s nice to receive this trophy.”