Is a Premier League Return on the Cards for Mason Greenwood?

Mason Greenwood's career has taken many twists and turns over the past few years, and with speculation about his future intensifying, fans are left to wonder: Could a return to the Premier League be on the horizon for the former Manchester United striker? Although Greenwood shone as a promising forward during his time at Manchester United, netting 35 goals in 129 appearances, his journey veered off course following serious off-pitch controversies. After a significant suspension in January 2022 over allegations that were eventually dropped, he was loaned to Getafe for the 2023/24 season before being sold to Marseille for approximately £26.6 million. This summer, reports have emerged suggesting that Greenwood is ‘pining for a return to England’. Following a reasonably successful period in France, where he has scored 19 goals and made five assists in 34 appearances, it appears that the novelty of life abroad is beginning to wear thin for him. According to a source close to the player, "Mason’s family visit but he is very introverted and misses his extended family and friends from home." Despite his successes at Marseille, concerns remain about how Premier League clubs would receive him. Several teams are said to be monitoring his situation, believing his talent could bolster their squads at a relatively low transfer fee. However, many remain hesitant, put off by the significant public relations risks attached to any potential signing. As reported by TEAMtalk, clubs are wary of the backlash from fans, sponsors, and the media, particularly given the renewed focus on social issues within the sport. Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille head coach, has publicly indicated that he expects more consistency and determination from Greenwood, further adding to the pressure on the young player. He remarked, “No one can have more respect for him than I do. But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him." De Zerbi's expectations echo the sentiment of many observers who believe that while Greenwood's talent is undeniable, his past may overshadow his potential return to English football. Moreover, Manchester United could be left disappointed in their hopes to profit from a potential sale within the Premier League, as growing doubts about Greenwood’s fitness, both physically and socially, loom large. As elucidated in the reports, teams are increasingly wary that bringing Greenwood back into the fold could be viewed as tone-deaf, risking severe backlash from supporters. The question now remains: can clubs see past Greenwood's contentious history to focus on his footballing prowess? Or will public sentiment hold greater sway, keeping him away from the Premier League? It seems that while his on-field evaluations may be strong, off-field considerations could stifle any hope for a return to England’s top flight, at least in the immediate future. As the summer transfer window approaches, the football world waits with bated breath. Will we see Mason Greenwood back in the Premier League, or is his future in other leagues now more certain? Whatever unfolds, it is clear that his journey is far from over, and the dialogue surrounding his career will undoubtedly continue to spark interest and debate.

• Manchester United
• Marseille
• Mason Greenwood