Saudi Arabia's stance on Mason Greenwood transfer amid Man Utd struggles

22 August 2023 , 18:45

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Saudi Arabia's stance on Mason Greenwood transfer amid Man Utd struggles

Mason Greenwood is facing a snub from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Pro League clubs have got major reservations about signing Greenwood because of the public backlash surrounding any potential deal for the Manchester United striker. Saudi Arabia has been under the spotlight over human rights and the treatment of women - and clubs are wary about how a move for Greenwood would be perceived as football tries to gain credibility and respect in the country.

The Saudi Pro League looked an obvious option and their window remains open until September 20 so the mood could change but it currently looks highly unlikely. Italian giants Roma have also been linked with a move for Greenwood but the club have distanced themselves from those reports and Turkey could be the most likely destination.

Roma’s main transfer target remains Chelsea ’s Romelu Lukaku. The Serie A club have held talks about a loan deal for Lukaku. Greenwood has been told he will not play for United again after being the subject of a lengthy internal investigation over accusations of attempted rape and controlling behaviour after criminal charges were dropped this year.

England international Greenwood, 21, has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford and United have made it clear they will look to find the best solution for him to rebuild his career.

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It is understood there have been calls and interest - but the worry is that as soon as a club comes in then the backlash will put them off.

Mason Greenwood will never play for Manchester United again (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

That is likely to be the major concern for English clubs and it seems certain that Greenwood would have to move abroad. Turkish clubs have been linked with a move for Greenwood, although the likes of Besiktas and Galatasaray have already done big deals this summer.

Meanwhile, United have also come under pressure to donate any potential fee from a permanent transfer to charity rather than make any profit from a sale.

John Cross