Football

Transfer Deadline Day Surprise: Getafe Secures Mason Greenwood

by
gianni
September 2, 2023

After Manchester United said in August that Mason Greenwood would leave The Old Trafford, Getafe makes a surprise transfer. The 21 year old player hasn’t been in the field since January 2022.

Mason Greenwood is transferred to Getafe to mark a Fresh Start After Nearly Two Years of Inactivity at Manchester United. The Spanish club has secured his services on a season-long loan without any transfer fee, contributing only a minor portion to his weekly salary of approximately £75,000.

Greenwood faced legal charges in October 2022, including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault, stemming from online allegations. However, these charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service due to a lack of realistic prospects for conviction. Key witnesses withdrew their cooperation, and new evidence surfaced. Throughout this ordeal, Greenwood vehemently denied all accusations.

Recently, Manchester United and Greenwood mutually agreed that it would be best for his career to move away from Old Trafford. A club statement explained the decision. They acknowledged the challenges of his return to and their commitment to assist Greenwood in finding a suitable path.

Greenwood’s last appearance for Manchester United dates back to January 22, 2022, in a 1-0 victory against West Ham at Old Trafford. He remains under contract with Manchester United until 2025, with the option for an additional year. Meanwhile, Getafe currently occupies the 12th spot in La Liga, amassing four points from three games.

Manchester United’s Official Statement for The Transfer

In an official statement, Manchester United confirmed Greenwood’s season-long loan to La Liga side Getafe CF, pending international clearance. This move signifies an opportunity for Greenwood to rebuild his career outside the confines of Manchester United.

“The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”

Mason Greenwood, who remains under contract with Manchester United until 2025, made a memorable debut for the club in 2019 at the age of 17, amassing 35 goals in 129 appearances for the team.

However, his career took a significant setback in January 2022 when he was arrested amid allegations concerning online content. Subsequently, in October 2022, Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily harm.

In response to his arrest, Nike terminated its sponsorship deal with Greenwood, and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads in its Fifa 22 video game.

Turning Point In His Career

The turning point came in February 2023 when the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence, leading to the conclusion that a conviction was no longer realistic.

Manchester United then initiated an internal investigation into Greenwood, a player previously regarded as one of the most valuable in Europe’s top five leagues. In their official statement, the club acknowledged the challenges surrounding Greenwood’s return to Old Trafford. They mutually agreed that it would be best for him to continue his career elsewhere. They pledged to work with Greenwood to facilitate this transition.

While emphasizing that the online material didn’t present the complete picture and that Greenwood was not responsible for the originally alleged offenses, Manchester United stated that Greenwood recognized and took responsibility for his mistakes.

Greenwood, in his statement, admitted to making mistakes and accepted his share of responsibility but maintained his innocence regarding the accusations.

The announcement of the investigation’s findings, initially expected before Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Wolves on August 14, faced delays. That was because of the intense debate regarding Greenwood’s potential reintegration into the club.

A group of female United supporters staged a protest outside Old Trafford, urging the club to adopt a “zero-tolerance approach” towards violence against women in response to the possibility of Greenwood’s return.

The club expressed its intention to consult with its women’s team, including members of England’s World Cup squad in Australia, before making a decision about Greenwood’s future.

In an open letter to fans, chief executive Richard Arnold noted that while certain evidence remained inaccessible for reasons they respected, the evidence they did gather led to the conclusion that Greenwood was not guilty of the alleged acts. He also mentioned that Greenwood’s potential reintegration had been considered and planned for, but their viewpoint had evolved in light of the circumstances.