Manchester United negotiated an extremely favourable sell-on clause as part of Mason Greenwood’s move to Marseille, ensuring they remain financially tied to any future transfer involving the forward. When Greenwood joined the French club in 2024, United inserted a clause entitling them to a significant share of any future sale fee. Although early reports differed, the arrangement is now believed to give United between 40 and 50 per cent of the proceeds from a subsequent transfer.
The deal also contains performance-based flexibility. The sell-on percentage is not completely fixed and can be adjusted if certain conditions are met. One such mechanism reportedly allowed Marseille to reduce United’s share from 50 per cent to 40 per cent by buying back a portion of the clause after qualifying for the Champions League. This structure gave Marseille incentives on the sporting side while still protecting United’s long-term financial interests.
United’s willingness to accept a relatively modest upfront fee was closely linked to this clause. Marseille paid around £26.7 million initially, a figure below United’s original valuation. However, the sell-on provision helped bridge that gap, with United confident they were retaining a substantial stake in Greenwood’s future value rather than maximising immediate income.
There has been some debate over how the clause is calculated. While many sell-on agreements apply only to profit, others are based on the total transfer fee. Reports are mixed on which model applies here. If it is profit-based, as suggested by The Telegraph, a hypothetical £50 million sale would generate a profit of roughly £23.3 million for Marseille, with United receiving 40 per cent of that sum — around £9.32 million.
Crucially, any income United receive would be recorded as pure profit for Financial Fair Play purposes because Greenwood is an academy graduate. This significantly strengthens the club’s position under Profit and Sustainability Regulations, giving them greater room to manoeuvre in the transfer market.
The contract also reportedly includes a buy-back clause, granting United a right of first refusal or a predetermined return fee should they wish to re-sign the player, even though such a move is not currently expected.
Complicating matters slightly, Getafe are believed to be owed 20 per cent of any money United earn from Greenwood’s permanent exit, stemming from a clause in a previous loan deal.
With Greenwood’s form in Ligue 1 boosting his market value and speculation of bids above £60 million, United could still land a substantial windfall — even after deductions — if Marseille decide to cash in.
