Ex-Man Utd forward Mason Greenwood hit with ‘mercenaries’ jibe after failed £22m transfer bid – with Lazio director explaining why Marseille new boy didn't sign for Serie A side

After seeing allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour dropped in February 2023, Greenwood was cleared to resume his professional career. A loan move to La Liga outfit Getafe was sanctioned, with the 22-year-old impressing in Spain.

The one-cap England international attracted interest from across Europe, with Lazio one of several sides in the race for his signature. Greenwood ended up completing a £27 million ($34m) transfer to Marseille, with a fresh start being embraced in France.

Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani considers his club to have enjoyed a lucky escape, telling Lazio Style Radio of failing to meet the demands of a player that is still rebuilding his reputation: “We wanted Greenwood last year, then there was a hitch with the player - you all know what Greenwood’s problem was. An agent this year approached us with the idea of Greenwood moving to Italy. We gave him a deadline, from there an auction was unleashed and I thought I could go up to a certain limit.

“We offered £22m for 50 per cent of the player, we’re talking about €26m. He preferred to take another path and I say that the best deals are those that aren’t made. I want [Nicolo] Rovella, [Mattia] Zaccagni, players who love the environment where they work. I don’t want these mercenaries, it’s lucky not to make certain deals. I could sell myself for €50,000 more but I have values that my parents passed on to me. If he’s taken another path, we wish Greenwood the best of luck.”

Greenwood, who won Getafe’s Player of the Year award last season, netted his first goal for Marseille in a friendly date with Pau FC. He is now working on a long-term contract through to 2029, with United including a sell-on clause in the deal that took him to Ligue 1.