Manchester United are in line to receive a substantial financial windfall from sell-on clauses as two former players, Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Greenwood, are poised to leave their current clubs. Garnacho is set to depart Chelsea after a disappointing season, while Greenwood is reportedly heading to Fenerbahce from Marseille.
Garnacho's Chelsea Exit Triggers Sell-On Clause
Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United for £40 million last summer, has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old Argentine winger played a minimal role as Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League, missing out on European qualification. According to the Press Association, Chelsea are willing to sell Garnacho and will consider bids around £42.5 million.
Manchester United astutely inserted a 10 percent sell-on clause into the deal when they sold Garnacho. This guarantees them a share of any future transfer fee if Chelsea opt to sell. Reports from Italy suggest that Roma are monitoring the United academy product. The Serie A club's Champions League qualification could allow them to pursue a permanent deal, though they would prefer a loan with an option to buy.
Since Garnacho progressed through United's academy after joining from Atletico Madrid for just £100,000 in 2020, the initial £40 million fee was recorded as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. Any sell-on income would also be considered pure profit.
Greenwood's Potential Move to Fenerbahce
Reports from Turkey indicate that Fenerbahce are poised to secure Mason Greenwood for £34 million (€40 million) plus €2 million in bonuses. Manchester United shipped Greenwood to Marseille in the summer of 2024 and negotiated a sell-on clause entitling them to a substantial share of any future transfer fee. The clause is understood to be between 40 and 50 percent.
According to ESPN, both Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid have reached agreements with Marseille. United stand to pocket £11.9 million (€14 million) if Greenwood moves to Turkey, or £13.3 million (€15.7 million) if he returns to Madrid, where he previously spent time on loan at Getafe while still a United player.
Greenwood's Stellar Form at Marseille
Greenwood has scored 48 goals in 81 appearances for Marseille. His remarkable form has drawn praise from former Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, now in charge of Tottenham. 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."
The combined sell-on fees from Garnacho and Greenwood could provide Manchester United manager Michael Carrick with a significant boost to his transfer funds, strengthening the club's financial position ahead of the upcoming window.
