Need to know
Manchester United sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille in the summer of 2024, and the Premier League club inserted clauses in the deal
Mason Greenwood during Bayeux vs Marseille
Mason Greenwood during Bayeux vs Marseille(Image: Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Manchester United's sell-on clause for Mason Greenwood
Sell-on clause: Manchester United secured a massive sell-on clause that entitles them to a major portion of any future transfer fee, which Greenwood's current club, Marseille, might receive from a sale. While initial reports varied, the clause - agreed when Greenwood joined Marseille in 2024 - is widely understood to be between 40-50 per cent.
Performance-related adjustments: The agreement includes "flexible" terms that allow the sell-on percentage to change based on specific milestones. For example, Marseille are understood to have been able to buy back a portion of United's stake. reducing the percentage, from 50 per cent to 40 per cent, after achieving Champions League qualification.
Marseille's initial fee: The sell-on clause was a vital part of the original negotiations to bridge the gap between United's valuation and Marseille's budget. United accepted a lower upfront fee of approximately £26.7million specifically because they knew they would retain half of the player's future value.
Total revenue vs. profit: While many standard football clauses only pay out a percentage of the profit, some are structured on the total sale value, and reports vary on which applies to this deal. Even if it's a profit-related deal, as reported by The Telegraph, a £50m sale would see United bring in 40 per cent of the £23.3m profit - equivalent to £9.32m.
Financial Fair Play impact: Any money received from this clause counts as "pure profit" on United's balance sheet because Greenwood was an academy graduate. This provides a massive boost to the club’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) standing, helping them comply with rules when bringing in future signings.
Buy-Back option: In addition to the sell-on fee, Manchester United inserted a standard buy-back clause into the contract, according to The Telegraph. While United are not expected to exercise the clause, it gives the club the first right of refusal or a set price should they want him to return to Old Trafford rather than leaving Marseille for another club.
Getafe to take a cut: A portion of the money United receives from a future sale may be owed to the Spanish club Getafe, according to The Athletic. Due to a clause in Greenwood's previous loan deal, Getafe is reportedly entitled to 20 per cent of any proceeds that United earn from his eventual permanent departure from Marseille.
Greenwood's market value: Greenwood's strong performances in France have led to rumours of bids exceeding £60m from other major clubs, with The Mail reporting on interest from Barcelona. If a sale at that price occurs, United would stand to receive a windfall of roughly £10.66m (40 per cent of Marseille's £33.3m profit, minus a 20 per cent cut of United's share for Getafe).