The sell-on clause which could determine Greenwood Man Utd future

Suraj Radia

• 12 Dec 2023 15:57 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United will have a decision to make on Mason Greenwood in the coming months as the forward continues to attract interest from Europe following his return to form.

Greenwood has been on loan at Getafe this season after United announced in the summer that he would continue his career ‘away from Old Trafford’ and the 22-year-old has five goal involvements in nine starts for the La Liga side, three of which have come in the last five games.

There has been speculation that Greenwood may still yet make a comeback for United when his loan expires next summer, having not played for the club since January 2022 when he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

The charges against Greenwood were dropped in February 2023 and United had initially made internal plans to reintegrate the youngster into the first team, however the decision was reversed after backlash from fans.

Greenwood’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2025 and, while there is the option to extend for another year, it is unlikely the England international will play for the club again despite United claiming he ‘did not commit the acts he was charged with’ in their statement in the summer.

Instead, Greenwood is set to be sold, with Getafe hoping to beat rivals to his signing, and the Spanish side could have the edge in any transfer with an intriguing sell-on clause.

Getafe set to benefit from any Greenwood sale

The Athletic claim that Getafe, who did not pay a loan fee for Greenwood, will retain 20% of any fee United receive for Greenwood if he is sold to another side, while the La Liga outfit will only have to pay 80% of any agreed price if they turn his loan into a permanent move.

Lazio are also said to be interested in a move, with reports in Italy stating that the Serie A side are willing to offer a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy for €15 million.

Greenwood’s future will not be affected by the impending arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as United’s minority shareholder, while Getafe president Angel Corres insisted it was too early to talk about his future despite admitting his interest in a deal.

“We have not talked about price. We have talked about looking at the situation and seeing what they propose,” Correa said.

“I believe a lot (in Greenwood). From here, we continue to work periodically, we continue to meet with Manchester (United) to see if they are happy.

“The truth is that they are happy with the treatment, not only from the fans of Getafe, but also from the whole Spain. Now we have to keep on defending him.”