Atletico Madrid nears deal for Mason Greenwood as Marseille demands €75M+ fee

Atletico Madrid is closing in on a stunning summer transfer target: Mason Greenwood, the 23-year-old English forward whose career trajectory has taken a dramatic turn since leaving Manchester United. With the 2025-26 La Liga season just weeks away, Atletico Madrid is reportedly "working the numbers" to secure Greenwood from Olympique de Marseille, a move that could reshape their attacking lineup and reignite the career of a once-promising talent.

From Scandal to Stardom: Greenwood’s Resurgence

Greenwood’s journey has been anything but linear. After making 129 appearances and scoring 35 goals for Manchester United between 2018 and 2023, his future in England unraveled following off-field incidents that led to his departure. But rather than vanish from football’s radar, he rebuilt himself — first with a loan spell at Getafe CF in 2023-24, where he netted 10 goals and added six assists in 36 games across all competitions. That performance didn’t just earn him praise; it proved he could still thrive under pressure in Spain’s fiercely competitive top flight.

Then came Marseille. Signed to a five-year deal in summer 2024, Greenwood exploded in his debut season, scoring 22 goals and providing six assists in 36 appearances. His pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement helped drag Marseille back into the UEFA Champions League for 2025-26. Suddenly, the kid who was written off in England was one of Ligue 1’s most feared strikers.

Why Atletico? Simeone’s Vision and the La Liga Connection

The link between Greenwood and Atletico Madrid isn’t random. Manager Diego Pablo Simeone, who’s led the club since December 2011, has long admired Greenwood’s blend of raw talent and tactical adaptability. Sources close to the club say Simeone sees him not just as a goal scorer, but as a potential long-term replacement — or at least a dynamic complement — to Julian Alvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine forward whose future at the club remains uncertain amid interest from top European clubs.

Greenwood’s prior La Liga experience is the golden ticket. While many clubs might hesitate to bring back a player with his history, Atletico’s culture — built on resilience, discipline, and second chances — makes him a perfect fit. "He’s been there, done that," one insider told Fichajes.net. "He knows the league, the physicality, the pressure. He doesn’t need time to adjust. He’s ready to score on day one."

The Price Tag: €75 Million or €80 Million?

Of course, nothing comes cheap. Olympique de Marseille, under sporting director Luis Campos, is holding firm: a minimum of €75 million, according to The Hard Tackle. But Fichajes.net dropped a bombshell — an €80 million figure is being floated internally as the club’s ideal target. Either way, it’s a staggering sum for a player who was essentially given away by Manchester United two years ago.

And here’s the twist: Manchester United stands to profit significantly. A sell-on clause embedded in Greenwood’s 2023 exit agreement means the Red Devils will receive a substantial percentage of any future transfer fee — likely between 15% and 20%. With United’s financial pressures mounting, this deal could provide a crucial cash injection, potentially funding new signings in midfield or defense.

Why Marseille Might Say No — and Why They Might Have To

Let’s be clear: Marseille doesn’t want to sell. Greenwood is their top scorer, their most dangerous attacker, and the face of their Champions League return. Losing him would be a blow to their ambitions of challenging Paris Saint-Germain for the 2025-26 Ligue 1 title.

But football is business. With their wage bill already stretched and UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules tightening, Marseille’s board may find it impossible to turn down an offer of €75 million — especially if Greenwood himself expresses a desire to return to Spain. "He’s spoken to his agent about La Liga," Transfer News Live reported. "He’s comfortable there. He likes the style. He feels at home."

Atletico, meanwhile, are in a hurry. With Simeone’s squad aging in key areas and their window to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona narrowing, they need a proven goal scorer — not a project. Greenwood delivers that instantly.

What’s Next? A Deal in Weeks?

Negotiations are reportedly in the final stages. Sources from multiple outlets — Goal.com, Sports Mole, The Hard Tackle, and Fichajes.net — agree: if Greenwood signs off on the move and Atletico submits a formal offer by mid-July, a deal could be sealed before the end of the month. The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League draw happens in late August, and Atletico wants their new striker ready for pre-season training in early July.

If completed, this transfer won’t just be a win for Atletico. It’ll be a redemption story — one where a player once deemed too risky for the Premier League finds a second home in La Liga, under a manager who believes in second chances.