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Mason Greenwood appears to be approaching the closing stages of his time at Marseille, as an intense transfer tussle nears its conclusion. Although the English forward reported for pre-season training earlier this week, talks have accelerated, with two major European clubs now competing head-to-head to secure his services.

Atletico Madrid enter the contest

Atletico Madrid have escalated their pursuit of Greenwood by matching Marseille’s €50 million valuation. The La Liga club have submitted an offer comprising €45 million upfront and an additional €5 million in performance-related bonuses, aligning themselves with the French club’s asking price, according to reports from L'Equipe. However, the deal remains complicated due to factors such as agent fees and a previously arranged sell-on clause linked to Greenwood’s salary structure when he first joined Marseille.

Despite Atletico’s willingness to meet Marseille’s financial expectations, the exact composition of the offer is still being assessed. Marseille’s management are focused on securing the highest possible net amount. Although the Spanish side’s total package looks attractive, intermediary fees and other deductions have led Marseille to carefully evaluate whether Atletico’s proposal ultimately surpasses rival bids currently on the table.

Fenerbahce maintain the advantage

Fenerbahce continue to lead the chase for Greenwood, even though their base bid stands slightly lower at €40 million plus bonuses. The key difference lies in the structure — the Turkish club’s offer excludes agent commissions, and Greenwood’s representatives have reportedly agreed to forgo their share of the transfer fee in return for a four-year deal. This arrangement could leave Marseille with a higher net income compared to Atletico’s higher gross offer.

Fenerbahce’s new leadership has made the 24-year-old Englishman their top priority this transfer window. The Istanbul club have been proactive in their efforts, with Greenwood’s lawyer, Martin Budworth, strongly supporting the move to Turkey. Reports from within the Marseille camp suggest that while Greenwood was initially drawn to the prestige of playing for Atletico Madrid, the substantial nature of Fenerbahce’s proposal is now influencing his decision.

Marseille pushes for a swift resolution

All stakeholders are now aiming for a final decision within the next 24 to 48 hours. In Istanbul, anticipation has reached fever pitch, as fans eagerly await confirmation of the move. A recent teaser from Fenerbahce’s basketball team was even mistaken for a Greenwood signing announcement, further fuelling speculation. The club’s supporters are expecting a marquee addition, and failure to deliver Greenwood could lead to frustration among the fanbase.

According to a source cited by L'Equipe who is close to the negotiations, momentum currently favours the Turkish outfit. “The different parties would like a decision this Thursday,” the insider revealed. “It leans towards Fener...”

Manchester United and Getafe set for financial windfalls

Any completed deal will also have financial implications for Manchester United, who retained a 40% sell-on clause when Greenwood transferred to Marseille from Old Trafford. Reports suggest Marseille have spent recent weeks attempting to reduce this percentage to 30% or 35% in order to retain a larger portion of the proceeds. However, it remains uncertain whether Manchester United or their ownership group INEOS will agree to such changes this late in the negotiations.

Additionally, Spanish club Getafe are due a portion of the revenue as part of the compensation agreed for their role in helping Greenwood return to form during the 2023–24 season. “It is quite late to renegotiate with Manchester,” a Marseille executive admitted in mid-May. “It would have been necessary to start discussions before OM was in a financial situation forcing it to sell in an emergency.”