Shocking revelation behind the Mason Greenwood deal

The choice to recruit Mason Greenwood caused quite a stir at Marseille, yet recently, President Pablo Longoria shared an exclusive backstage account related to this deal for the first time.

Notably, before signing the contract with the former Manchester United striker, the head of the French club consulted a very unique “advisor.”

In the summer of 2024, Marseille officially announced the signing of Mason Greenwood, once regarded as a “precious gem” from Manchester United’s academy. This transfer quickly drew public attention because Greenwood had been involved in a serious scandal in early 2022. Although all charges were dropped in February 2023, Greenwood’s career at Old Trafford could not be salvaged due to strong backlash from fans.

After a loan season at Getafe, Greenwood was permanently sold by Man United to Marseille for a fee that could exceed £30 million. This was considered a major gamble for the French club, both professionally and in terms of image.

In an interview with The Telegraph, President Pablo Longoria admitted he carefully weighed his decision. The 40-year-old president said that besides professional and legal reports, he also sought advice from his mother. Longoria’s mother previously worked in the Spanish prison system and has extensive experience in rehabilitation and education.

Longoria shared: “I wanted a completely unbiased opinion, unaffected by football or sporting interests. My mother is that kind of person. She only cares about what’s best for her son as a human being.”

After hearing all the details about Greenwood from her son, she gave a decisive piece of advice: “Go for it.” This answer gave Longoria the confidence to complete the transfer. In reality, Marseille’s decision proved correct professionally. Since arriving at the Velodrome, Mason Greenwood has consistently shone and quickly become a key figure in the attack. In 64 appearances, the English striker has scored 42 goals — a rate that has impressed experts.

This season, Greenwood has also had the chance to face teams from his homeland like Newcastle and Liverpool in the Champions League, showing he has truly regained his status at the highest level in Europe. Notably, coach Roberto De Zerbi even shocked many by suggesting Greenwood is capable of competing for the Ballon d’Or in the future. According to the Italian strategist, Greenwood’s potential is undeniable; the only question is the player’s determination and focus.

The behind-the-scenes story shared by President Longoria not only shows Marseille’s caution in a sensitive deal but also offers a more human perspective on how a major club makes decisions beyond the pitch.