Mason Greenwood's prospects of a major summer transfer have been thrown into serious doubt following a disastrous individual performance and a cascade of scathing criticism from French media and pundits. The Marseille forward, whose future has been the subject of intense speculation, was handed a 0/10 rating by regional newspaper La Provence after his team's 3-0 defeat to Nantes on Saturday, a result that effectively ended their Champions League qualification hopes.
According to reports from France, Marseille have placed a €50 million valuation on the 24-year-old, with a significant portion of any fee owed to Manchester United as part of the agreement that brought him to the Stade Velodrome in 2024. However, his recent form and reported attitude problems have cast significant doubt on any club meeting that figure. Greenwood was described by La Provence as "scandalous from start to finish," with the critique highlighting his walking after losing possession, complaining when not receiving passes, and attempting unnecessary gestures for personal amusement.
The statistical breakdown from the match supported the harsh assessment, with Greenwood completing only one of seven attempted dribbles and conceding 17 turnovers. His display prompted an explosive reaction from RMC pundit Walid Acherchour on the After Foot show, who stated, "This guy s** on the pitch for 90 minutes, he sulks like a spoiled child." L'Equipe also detailed a moment where Greenwood, after being ignored by a teammate, sighed, threw his arms up, and failed to track back for a counter-attack before heading to the dressing room at half-time with his shirt pulled over his head.
Greenwood's relationships within the club are reported to have deteriorated significantly since the departure of manager Roberto De Zerbi in February. Multiple sources indicate he has not been on speaking terms with sporting director Medhi Benatia for several weeks. Current head coach Habib Beye pointedly criticized his senior players' attitude and commitment after the Nantes defeat, remarks widely interpreted as being aimed at Greenwood among others.
The collapse in form and standing marks a stark reversal for a player who was Marseille's standout performer last season, contributing 25 goals and 10 assists. He even led the Ligue 1 scoring charts for a period this campaign but is now on a six-game scoreless run, his worst since arriving in France. This decline comes at a critical juncture, with clubs like Juventus and Atletico Madrid previously linked with a move.
Any potential transfer for Greenwood remains uniquely sensitive due to his off-field history, with charges of attempted rape and assault dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023. Clubs considering a move would likely demand not only a return to form but also impeccable behaviour, a standard he has failed to meet in recent weeks according to the widespread reports emanating from Marseille. His immediate task is to salvage his reputation at his current club, where his future now appears increasingly uncertain.
