Getafe are interested in purchasing loanee Mason Greenwood from Manchester United and have revealed a shocking clause in their loan agreement which could deliver a significant payday for the club, according to a report from The Athletic.
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‘We Have Talked’ Getafe Express Interest in Permanent Move for Mason Greenwood
Manchester United Gave Spanish Side Shocking Sell-On Clause
In what must be a first in modern European football, the report has revealed that the La Liga side took a 20% sell-on clause for Greenwood, meaning they will receive a fee if United can sell the 22-year-old after the loan, despite never owning the player themselves.
The loan to Getafe was completed on deadline day after United made the extremely controversial, and ultimately, reversed decision to attempt to re-integrate the player into the squad after an internal investigation. Their own investigation followed dropped criminal charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour, all of which were denied by Greenwood.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson explained the decision to stop proceedings against the Englishman: “In this case, a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
United halted their attempts to reintroduce the player into their side after serious backlash from fans, staff and campaign groups, such as Female Fans Against Greenwood. Some staff are understood to have considered taking industrial action such as striking, or even resigning on masse.
The club later released a statement boldly claiming 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”, but that they had “mutually” decided with the player that he should move on to another club to continue his career.
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Getafe ‘Considering Buying’ Mason Greenwood from Manchester United
The Premier League side are likely to want to finalise a permanent transfer away for the young forward, whose contract runs up to 2025 with an option for the club to extend it.
Getafe President Angel Corres told The Athletic that his side are “considering buying” Greenwood and as a result of their sell-on clause, will only need to pay 80% of any agreed price. If the one-time England international is palatable enough for another club to swoop in, the La Liga club will receive a fifth of the total fee.
In a club visit to a hospital, Corres was asked about Greenwood’s future and replied: “We have not talked about price. We have talked about looking at the situation and seeing what they propose because there has also been a change of shareholding there… I believe a lot in him.”
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Controversial Transfer Would Make Sense for Both Sides
Regardless of any moral feeling amongst fans who oppose the continued rehabilitation of the player’s career and perhaps even of his reputation, a sale to Getafe may be the perfect result in the eyes of some executives at the club. A deal would ensure that they are, in theory, no longer tied to the horrific allegations against the player, while ensuring that they make some financial benefit at the same time.
For the La Liga club currently sat in ninth in the table, a deal could come at a cut price given Greenwood’s reputation and could bring significant benefits to a club of little financial means. The youngster has provided two goals and three assists in 12 league performances, despite not playing any football for 16 months before his move to Spain.
While his talent is undoubted, there are significant concerns about the prospect of Manchester United profiting from a deal given their handling of the investigation into the player. A deal certainly makes sense for both clubs and while there may be significant opposition, some might just be happy to see the association between the forward and the club ended.
