Mason Greenwood, who was signed by Marseille from Manchester United for £27 million plus £3.2 million in add-ons, has arrived in France ahead of his medical.
As the forward waved to them at the airport, fans showered him with flares and chanted his name.
Although many fans reacted angrily to being connected to him, Joey Barton has praised his impending departure and stated that England could have won Euro 2024 if they had played the striker.
The forward, 22, was accused in October 2022 of attempting to commit rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behavior. However, after important witnesses withdrew, the case was withdrawn in February 2023. Greenwood has refuted any misconduct.
After making early connections, outraged Marseille supporters started the #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign, but Barton, who was a member of the Ligue 1 team in 2012–13, is certain he ‘deserves a chance’.
‘That is a great signing. This kid deserves a chance to get on with his career,’ Barton wrote on X.
‘We all make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect. England would have won the Euros with this kid in the side.
‘He’s as good a player as any in that Euros squad. His behaviour and the public fallout has massively affected his performance, yet he went to an average team in Spain and got himself back on track!’
Following his resignation as manager after eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate announced that the Three Lions had lost to Spian in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
To complete the Marseille relocation, Greenwood still needs to sign all the required paperwork and finish a medical exam. He scored ten goals while on loan at La Liga team Getafe during the previous campaign.
Mayor of Marseille Benoit Payan has expressed opposition to the decision, threatening to pressure Pablo Longoria, the club’s president, to renounce the agreement.
On Monday, Mason Greenwood went back to Carrington to discuss his departure with United executives. Since the charges surfaced in January 2022, he has not appeared on the field for the Red Devils.
The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew its charges against him after important witnesses withdrew, but the club proceeded with its own internal investigation and discovered a number of graphic photos and audio recordings. It was declared in August 2023 that he will go amicably.
Barton continued, saying: ‘I hope Mason and his family find peace and prosperity in the south of France. Be allowed to get on with their young lives. And hopefully he can get the opportunity to atone for his errors. ‘I know the fans of Marseille love their club. This boy could be as good a player as any Englishman that has pulled on your jersey before. With the support your incredible he will set Ligue 1 on fire. This kid is good. Believe me. If you support him, OM take back over.
‘Great coach in Roberto De Zerbi. Big conkers to take Greenwood.’
