Despite the fact that Mason Greenwood left Old Trafford on a season-long loan to Getafe just minutes before the transfer window closed, Manchester United will still be on the hook for a large fee.
Despite the fact that all criminal accusations against him have been dropped, the 21-year-old attacker will continue his career away from Manchester United. Greenwood had not played for United since his arrest in January 2022, therefore it took some time for him to be released on loan.
While reported interest in him from Roma and Al-Ettifaq was rejected by both clubs, there were ultimately three teams vying for his signature, with United doing everything they could to expedite his departure.
While Lazio and Besiktas were both interested, the Bradford-born forward will now continue his LaLiga career with Getafe. A Madrid suburb, the capital’s ‘third club’ provides the ideal setting for Greenwood to try to revive his career and reputation.
Getafe is presently 12th in La Liga, having won one, drawn one, and lost one of their three games this season.
“Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe CF on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance,” United said in a statement.
“The move allows Greenwood to start rebuilding his career outside of Manchester United.”
“The club will continue to support Mason and his family during this difficult time.”
Mason Greenwood discusses the salary United still pay and how the Lazio move failed.
His signing for Getafe generated ecstasy among its fans, who realize they’ve landed a genuine quality player.
While there is some controversy surrounding the transfer – a number of Premier League clubs, for example, were “scared off” signing Greenwood – Getafe appear pleased to have got the once-capped England midfielder.
Shortly after his arrival was announced, the club’s social media outlets posted a video of ecstatic fans outside their stadium with the caption: ‘The Coliseum a few minutes ago.’
Greenwood has yet to comment on the move, but the advice is expected to remain low-key.
To that aim, he will most likely let his football do the talking from now on, with media duties – at least in the beginning – likely to be kept to a minimum.
After Getafe won the race for the player, the Daily Mail alleges that Olympiacos, Red Star Belgrade, and Lazio were all vying for his signature late in the day.
Lazio appeared to be in control of his signing for long stretches of deadline day. However, they failed to complete the appropriate paperwork, allowing Greenwood to relocate to LaLiga instead.
Lazio’s manager blames Manchester United for the failed trade.
Claudio Lotito, the president of the Italian club, claims Greenwood was eager to relocate to the Italian city but blames United for failing to complete the paperwork on time.
“I tried until the last minute,” Lotito told La Lazio Siamo Noi on Friday evening, shortly after the Italian transfer window closed.
The midfielder has two years left on his United contract, which pays him £75,000 per week. According to the rules of the loan to Getafe, the La Liga side will cover a percentage of those wages, reportedly £25,000 of them. However, United is still on the hook for £50,000 a week to cover his contract.
Greenwood’s situation will be revisited at the end of the season when his contract will have only 12 months remaining.
He will not, however, play another game for the Red Devils, despite having 35 goals in 129 games.