Controversial English forward Mason Greenwood was poised on Thursday to sign for Ligue 1 side Marseille for a reported 30 million euros ($33 million) and fill the vacuum left by veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The interest in Greenwood, 22, has not been universally welcomed in the port city due to charges including rape and assault being dropped against him in February 2023.
Marseille mayor Benoit Payan has led the calls of disquiet over the Manchester United player potentially joining the club.
Greenwood had been suspended by United since January 2022 over the allegations but prosecutors dropped charges last year after key witnesses withdrew and new evidence came to light.
He spent last season on loan at Spanish club Getafe scoring 10 goals in 36 appearances.
Greenwood was tipped for stardom at United after rising through the Old Trafford youth system and went on to score 35 goals in 129 senior appearances for the club.
Aubameyang, 35, for his part will be linking up at Saudi club Al-Qadsiah with Nacho, the former Real Madrid skipper and Euro 24 winner with Spain last weekend.
“Protect your nets, the black panther is here,” announced Al-Qadsiah, referring to the former Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal striker’s nickname.
Marseille praised their now former striker “whose talent shone through” during last season.
Aubameyang netted 30 goals in all competitions for Marseille last term after arriving from Chelsea, but despite that haul, Marseille could only manage eighth in Ligue 1.
With AFP
