The Telegraph: Man United Include Buyback Clause in Greenwood Deal, But Player Is Not Considering a Return

The transfer of Greenwood from Manchester United to Marseille has been finalized. The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph published an exposé that delves into some of the terms of the transfer contract, including what it describes as a “subtly significant buyback clause.”

Firstly, Manchester United will not receive the entire transfer fee for Greenwood outright, with 20% of the revenue going to La Liga club Getafe.

Secondly, the guaranteed portion of Greenwood’s transfer fee is £19.9 million, and half of the variable fee (£6.7 million) is linked to the duration of Greenwood’s stay at Marseille. If Greenwood remains at Marseille for three years, this would trigger an additional payment of around £3.4 million. Other revenues are tied to the player’s number of appearances and performance metrics.

Thirdly, Manchester United initially valued Greenwood at £40 million, but Marseille managed to negotiate a lower price. However, United did secure a “second sale profit share clause” in the transfer agreement, entitling them to 50% of any future profit made on Greenwood’s next transfer.

Fourthly, the transfer contract includes a buyback clause, which is typically included by Manchester United when selling players from their youth academy. However, according to The Telegraph, the inclusion of this clause is controversial. It is understood that Greenwood will not consider returning to Manchester United in the future. Following the criminal lawsuit and media scrutiny, Greenwood feels emotionally drained at the prospect of staying at Manchester United, and his family strongly believes that it is best for him to leave England and play abroad.

In summary, British media outlets believe that among all the add-on clauses, the most meaningful might be the “second sale profit share clause.” At just 22 years old, Greenwood could very well join a top-tier club in the future. Marseille is unlikely to be Greenwood’s final destination, and if he can overcome his off-field controversies and fully realize his potential, this clause could potentially generate a substantial return for the Red Devils down the line.