Manchester United stand to gain millions from the sell-on clause included in Mason Greenwood's transfer to Marseille, despite the deal being structured to prioritise long-term value. The original agreement gave United 50 per cent of any future transfer fee, though recent reports suggest this may now be 40 per cent.
Greenwood's homegrown status means any transfer revenue is treated as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. If Marseille sold him for £50m, United could receive up to £25m under the original terms, or £20m at 40 per cent. However, Getafe are entitled to 20 per cent of whatever United earn from Greenwood's next move, as part of his 2023 loan deal.
United also secured a 10 per cent sell-on clause for Alejandro Garnacho when he moved to Chelsea for £40m last summer. The Argentine winger's academy background means the initial fee was pure profit, and any future income from the clause would be similarly accounted. Garnacho signed a seven-year contract, but his modest start and Chelsea's trading history could lead to an early departure.
Other clubs have used sell-on clauses strategically, such as Manchester City's 40 per cent clause for Brahim Diaz if sold to United, versus 15 per cent for other clubs. Similarly, Luis Suarez's Barcelona contract reportedly blocked transfers to elite clubs including United, forcing his move to Atletico Madrid in 2020.
