Besiktas are set to provide Mason Greenwood with an opportunity to restart his football career, with other offers yet to come in for the disgraced Manchester United forward.
Charges of attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault against Greenwood were dropped in February, with United and the player deciding that he best resumes his career elsewhere following a six-month internal investigation.
Turkish side Besiktas, who have long kept an eye on the situation, are one of the few clubs who have not been completely deterred and are considering entering negotiations, one insider has confirmed to i.
In the meantime, Greenwood remains on full pay at United, having signed a deal until 2025. The full exit strategy is not yet finalised – United and Greenwood have only firmly concluded he cannot play for the club again. There are no immediate plans to release him from his current contract.
Besiktas believe that an initial loan spell, of around six months, could be agreed as a litmus test of public feeling. Then, should Greenwood excel and fans welcome him, a longer-term move can be discussed.
It is thought that the consent of the Besiktas women’s team would be needed for any move for Greenwood to be sanctioned.
“Of course they have seen what has been said in the UK and further afield,” the source said. “People think that Turkey is an easy way out for Greenwood, as he will just be able to get on with his career away from the public eye. But clubs know that is not how it works. Reporters will come from England to follow his progress wherever he goes, we are sure of that.
“A short loan is appealing, though. If things go wrong, he will return to Manchester quickly. If he comes to Istanbul and scores goals straight away, the boos will quickly go. That is just the way that football works, however bad a taste that leaves. I think Turkish fans will accept him.”
Despite clubs across the world distancing themselves from the 21-year-old, interest in a player of Greenwood’s ability was still expected to be plentiful.
However, sources have told i that even those interested in the months leading up to United’s decision to offload have been put off by the uproar caused by the very suggestion of Greenwood being able to restart his career in the game.
Similar fears over the impact on the progress of women’s football are why another supposedly feasible route out of Manchester – Saudi Arabia – does not look like it will materialise.
Saudi Arabia’s human rights record is already the subject of intense scrutiny after its eyewatering investment in football and Greenwood’s arrival could do further damage to their reputation, a Middle East insider said.
Al-Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard has already insisted any interest from his club in Greenwood is “fake news” and while other Saudi clubs could individually still make a move, the league’s centralised funding model means the Saudi Pro League itself has final approval on all marquee signings and the power to veto any transfer.
“Maybe a year ago Greenwood would have been of interest,” the insider added. “But look at the names already here. The league does not need to take as many risks, as other big-name players are coming, even those in their prime. Look at Aymeric Laporte, for example.
“Greenwood just comes with too many issues the SPL don’t want to deal with. Great progress has been made in the women’s game.”
Reports of interest from Italy have also not been forthcoming, with no approaches made to United from any Serie A side as yet.
The impact on sponsors and other stakeholders makes a move to an English club extremely unlikely, leaving a player once destined for the very top of the game, now without competitive first-team action since January 2022, hoping others express more willing to take what would be a substantial risk.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2aKIFpi
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