Explained: Why Mason Greenwood's first game back in England in 30 months could take place in hometown of Bradford

Greenwood has completed a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille from Manchester United and is set to begin a new challenge with the French club. The forward has not played for the Red Devils since his arrest in January 2022 but could be set to play on English soil once again before Marseille kick off their new Ligue 1 campaign.

Sunderland have announced they will play Marseille in a friendly on August 3 at Bradford City's Valley Parade Stadium. The game will take place in Greenwood's hometown of Bradford as Sunderland's Stadium of Light ground will not be ready in time. The fixture is a commemorative match to mark 15 years since the passing of Robert Louis-Dreyfus. He was the father of Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and also the French side's majority shareholder from 1996 to 2009. 

Louis-Dreyfus said: "My earliest childhood memories are of Olympique Marseille and my love for football was born from my father’s association with the Club. Like Sunderland, Marseille is a city that lives and breathes football 24/7 and it will be a privilege to bring the two Clubs closest to my heart together to celebrate the life of my father. It is unfortunate that we can’t play at the Stadium of Light due to our ongoing developments and we appreciate Bradford City’s support in hosting the game, which I’m sure will also act as the strong test for our team ahead of the new season.” 

Greenwood is due to start work with Marseille after signing a five-year contract with Roberto De Zerbi's side. Marseille face friendlies against Nimes, Toulon and Pau before heading to England to take on Sunderland.