Mason Greenwood’s future is up in the air as two Premier League clubs are reportedly eyeing a move for the forward this summer.
The 23-year-old, currently playing for Marseille in Ligue 1, is said to be eager for a return to England.
Despite impressing with his performance, scoring 19 goals across all competitions in his debut season in France, Greenwood seems to be missing home.
Greenwood’s Desire to Return Home
While his time in France has been successful, Greenwood’s time away from England appears to have taken its toll.
According to The Telegraph, he has made no secret of his desire to return to the north of England, his home turf.
Despite his good form in France, with his last Premier League appearance coming back in January 2022, several top-flight teams are now keeping an eye on him.
A Complicated Move Back to England
The striker made a £27 million move to Marseille last summer after an eventful departure from Manchester United.
His move came after serious charges were brought against him, including attempted rape and assault.
These charges were later dropped after key witnesses withdrew, and new evidence came to light.
Greenwood has consistently denied the allegations.
He spent a season on loan at Getafe in Spain before joining Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi.
However, there’s reportedly some internal debate about whether Greenwood feels ready to make a permanent return to the Premier League.
Some of those close to him believe he might not want to take a “step down” after leaving Manchester United.
Yet, with Premier League interest growing, his stance could be tested in the coming months.
The Personal Side of Greenwood’s Move Abroad
It seems Greenwood initially embraced life abroad, enjoying the anonymity that came with playing in Spain and France.
According to a source speaking to The Sun, Greenwood and his partner, Harriet Robson, felt the move allowed them to rebuild their lives in peace, far from the intense media scrutiny that had surrounded Greenwood back in England.
He was reportedly able to focus solely on his football without the added pressure of public attention.
However, after nearly two years away, it seems the novelty has worn off.
Greenwood is said to miss his family and friends back in England, and feels the time has come to return home.
The “vitriol” directed at him seems to have subsided, and he now feels that the public has moved on, making a move back to the north of England more viable.
De Zerbi’s Support for Greenwood
Marseille’s current head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has praised Greenwood’s talent this season, stating that the young forward has the qualities to become a true legend at the club.
He has expressed his desire to help Greenwood reach his full potential, both as a footballer and a person.
De Zerbi acknowledges that Greenwood’s natural talent is something to be cherished and has taken a hands-on approach in guiding him through the ups and downs of his journey.
De Zerbi’s goal is to ensure that Greenwood is remembered as one of the club’s all-time greats, something that he believes is within reach given Greenwood’s abilities and potential.
What’s Next for Greenwood?
With interest from the Premier League on the rise and personal factors pushing Greenwood toward a return home, his next move remains uncertain.
His time in France has been fruitful, but the pull of England may soon outweigh his current situation in Marseille.
As summer approaches, it will be interesting to see whether he stays with the French giants or makes a long-awaited return to the Premier League.