The i – Mason Greenwood won't salvage career
The ex-England striker is rumoured to be in talks to sign a lucrative deal with a team in Saudi Arabia after it was confirmed he would be leaving Manchester United
Mason Greenwood is unlikely to be able to secure a contract at a top UK or European football club, but could still earn millions if he moved further afield, according to a sports PR specialist.
On Monday it was confirmed that the 21-year-old would leave Manchester United one-and-a-half years after he was first suspended after being arrested and later charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
The criminal charges against Mr Greenwood were dropped in February with prosecutors citing “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
After an internal investigation, it first looked like Manchester United were planning to reinstate the player, before confirming on Monday that he would be leaving by “mutual agreement”, in a dramatic U-turn.
Rumours have circulated as to where Mr Greenwood could move to next, with reports suggesting he is being eyed by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho, who now manages Italian club Roma, as well as teams in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
David Alexander, director at sports agency Calacus, told i that the former England striker would be unlikely to secure a return to English football without taking “full responsibility for the situation that he now faces”.
Mr Alexander added: “Greenwood needs to engage with domestic violence charities, commit to learning and teaching other young men about the lessons he learns, and do this consistently as a reminder that any form of coercive or abusive behaviour towards others is unacceptable.”
He said he would be “surprised” if Greenwood were able to secure a contract at a top-tier club in Europe.
“Signing him would immediately compromise relationships with sponsors and commercial partners whose customers and colleagues will rightly be concerned at the opportunity he is being afforded and the knock-on effects for their own reputations and bottom line.”
European clubs will also be concerned about “the message” they are sending to fans if they take Greenwood on, Mr Alexander said.
But European clubs are said to be among those considering making an offer for Greenwood – including Serie A side AS Roma and Turkish side Galatasaray.
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