A move by a Saudi Arabian club for Mason Greenwood would be “very surprising” according to a senior league source in a conversation with BBC Sport. This report comes amid rumours that Saudi clubs have been considering a move for the 21-year-old after Manchester United decided that will not return to their first-team squad.
A Saudi Move for Mason Greenwood Unlikely
United U-turn Over Youngster’s Future Allows for Return Elsewhere
The decision to not allow Greenwood to return to the senior side came in a u-turn following Adam Crafton’s report that CEO Richard Arnold had planned for the player’s return.
News of the decision sparked backlash, which is believed to have been the cause of the final decision to drop the one-time England international. United have stated that they will help Greenwood find another club, although it is not yet clear whether that will be a permanent deal or a loan.
Concerns Raised About the Handling of Mason Greenwood Investigation
Some critics have raised concerns about the way the club conducted its internal investigation into the player. In particular, the level of collaboration with the player over an investigation into his own alleged abuse and sexual violence. Mason Greenwood has always denied allegations in relation to the matter.
Another peculiar decision by the club was to allow its CEO to declare publicly that on the evidence available to them Greenwood “did not commit the offences in which he was originally charged”. It is certainly unprecedented for a club official to attempt to vindicate a player of criminal offences. There was also a lot of emphasis on the club’s duty to their academy graduate, rather than their duty to the alleged victim.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape, coercive and controlling behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the player in February of this year. They attributed this to a “combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material.”
While United have stated that Greenwood will not return to the first team, it is unclear if there will be suitors for him. While it is undoubtedly true that he possesses talent and was once a glowing prospect, the controversy and outside scrutiny that his acquisition might bring could deter any clubs that may otherwise be interested.
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