Al-Ahli have reportedly tried to hijack Fenerbahce's move for former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. The Saudi Pro League club called the 24-year-old on Sunday in a bid to persuade him to join, according to TalkSPORT. Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle spoke directly with Greenwood as they look to derail his move to the Turkish side.
Background on Greenwood's Transfer Saga
Manchester United sold Greenwood to French Ligue 1 side Marseille in July 2024 for a deal worth £26.7 million. The Reds secured a sell-on clause, widely understood to be between 40 and 50 per cent, entitling them to a major portion of any future transfer fee Marseille receives from a sale. This provides United with a financial boost for their next transfer if he moves.
Recent reports from Turkey claim that Fenerbahce are expected to sign Greenwood for €40 million (£34 million) plus €2 million in bonuses. However, Al-Ahli's late intervention has created a twist. The report adds that Greenwood's mooted move to the Istanbul-based club is at an advanced stage.
Interest from Atletico Madrid
It comes after recent reports that Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has requested his signing. The Argentine seeks to reinforce the attacking positions following the departures of Antoine Griezmann, Nico Gonzalez, and the likely exit of Julian Alvarez. According to ESPN, both Fenerbahce and Atletico have agreed deals with Marseille.
United would receive €14 million (£11.9 million) if Greenwood opts to move to Turkey, or €15.7 million (£13.3 million) if he returns to Madrid, having had a loan spell at Getafe while he was still registered at Old Trafford. Because Greenwood was an academy product, the initial fee paid by Marseille was recorded as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The same accounting benefit would apply to any sale-on income they receive down the line.
Greenwood's Form and International Allegiance
Greenwood has scored 48 goals in 81 appearances for Marseille. His impressive form has previously seen former Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi back him to win the Ballon d'Or. De Zerbi said: "I see him every day, he has huge potential. I don't see any other players in Europe at the same level. He has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or. It will be up to him to decide whether he wants to do everything he can to fight for it or not. At the level of the qualities that nature has given him, that his parents have given him, I think he is worthy of the Ballon d'Or. I would like him to be more consistent. I know he needs to press with more intensity, he needs to manage the ball better when the team is in trouble, not lose it easily, but keep it to allow the team to move up because he has the ability to do it."
Greenwood, who has one England cap, switched international allegiances to Jamaica last year. In August 2025, he received his passport for the Caribbean nation, opening the door for him to represent his grandparents' country.
