MASON GREENWOOD’S move to the Saudi Pro League is likely to be blocked because of an unusual transfer rule, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is searching for a new team after it was mutually agreed he would leave Manchester United on Monday following a six-month internal investigation into his conduct.
GettyMason Greenwood’s move to the Saudi Pro League is likely to be blocked[/caption]
Saudi clubs were said to be considering signing Greenwood but now others as well as Al-Ettifaq are reportedly backing away.
Individual clubs could still make a move for Greenwood, however the SPL has the final say on signings and the power to veto any deal for the striker because of the league’s centralised funding model.
The top 14 professional football clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are also presently government-owned.
The SPL is allegedly concerned about how the transfer would be perceived as it grows the league into a global brand, The Times reported.
Greenwood hasn’t played for United since his arrest in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
He remained suspended by the club despite all charges against him being dropped in February.
United announced a “collaborative decision” with Greenwood that he would depart.
They did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be sold or loaned out.
Greenwood issued a statement saying he had “made mistakes”.
United now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood by the end of this month or face losing millions.
Football‘s summer transfer window closes on September 1 – and if no one has signed him by then, United could have to pay Greenwood millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
Yet they could go beyond the deadline if a Saudi club goes for Greenwood because their window runs until September 20.
Recent Saudi league recruits include ex-United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, France striker Karim Benzema from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain‘s Brazilian forward Neymar.
Al-Ettifaq have swooped this summer for England midfielder Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, now being paid £700,000 per week.