Barcelona have once again turned their attention to Mason Greenwood, reigniting their interest in the former Manchester United forward following revelations about his sell-on clause at Marseille. Reports suggest the Catalan giants, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, are closely monitoring Greenwood’s situation, with a potential summer move on the horizon.
Greenwood’s journey has been turbulent yet impressive. After leaving Manchester United amid off-field controversies, he secured a loan move to Getafe, where he rediscovered his form. His performances in La Liga caught the attention of Europe’s elite, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus. However, it was Marseille that secured his signature in a deal worth up to €31.6 million (£26.6m) last summer.
The Englishman has thrived in Ligue 1, delivering 15 goals and four assists in 24 games, proving his quality in front of goal. His resurgence has inevitably fueled speculation over his long-term future, with elite clubs already eyeing a move. According to talkSPORT, Greenwood’s displays have ‘alerted’ Barcelona and PSG, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
How Manchester United’s Sell-On Clause Affects a Transfer
A key factor in any potential deal revolves around Manchester United’s 50% sell-on clause in Greenwood’s Marseille contract. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs explained the intricacies of this clause, highlighting its flexibility.
According to Jacobs, United have structured the clause in a way that allows them to buy additional sell-on percentages at certain milestones in Greenwood’s contract. This means that as his performances improve, United could opt to increase their financial stake in a future transfer, potentially boosting the sell-on figure beyond 60%.
For Barcelona or PSG, this adds a financial complication—not only would they have to negotiate a significant fee with Marseille, but they would also have to factor in United’s share of the deal.
PSG Preparing a Big Money Offer
Reports from Monday indicated that PSG are preparing a €75 million (£62.4m/$78.6m) bid for Greenwood. The French giants see him as an ideal reinforcement, particularly with Kylian Mbappé expected to leave this summer. However, Barcelona’s renewed interest means they could be serious competition for his signature.
Barcelona’s finances remain a key talking point. The club has been actively restructuring their wage bill and transfer strategy under Deco and Hansi Flick, prioritizing young, high-potential signings. With Greenwood’s contract at Marseille running until 2027, a potential transfer would likely require a structured payment approach or a swap deal.
Why Barcelona See Greenwood as a Key Target
Barcelona’s renewed push for Greenwood isn’t surprising. The club lacks depth in the attacking positions, with Robert Lewandowski aging, Raphinha facing an uncertain future, and Ansu Fati struggling for consistency. Greenwood’s versatility, goal-scoring ability, and age make him an attractive long-term prospect.
Additionally, Barça’s style of play suits Greenwood’s attributes. His ability to operate on both wings and as a center-forward fits Flick’s tactical approach. His experience in La Liga with Getafe also makes him a less risky signing, as he has already adapted to Spanish football.
The Hurdles in Barcelona’s Pursuit
Despite their interest, Barcelona face multiple challenges in securing Greenwood:
Financial Constraints – The club still operates under La Liga’s financial restrictions, meaning they may struggle to compete with PSG in a bidding war.
Manchester United’s Clause – With United potentially increasing their sell-on percentage, Marseille could hold out for an even higher fee.
PSG’s Interest – The French club have the financial muscle to make a quick move, especially if Mbappé departs.
Could a Summer Transfer Happen?
While nothing is concrete yet, Greenwood’s future is set to be one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window. With Barcelona and PSG both expressing interest, Marseille could soon be forced into a major decision.
The French club must weigh up whether to cash in on Greenwood now—potentially making a huge profit—or hold onto him for another season, hoping his value rises further. Meanwhile, United’s stance on increasing their sell-on stake could further complicate negotiations.
