30 August 2023 , 08:41
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Manchester United have been offered a lifeline in their attempts to offload Mason Greenwood, with Besiktas reportedly considering an approach for the striker.
United announced on August 21 that Greenwood will leave Old Trafford in the near future. The two parties "mutually agreed" for the striker to find a new team after the Premier League club concluded their own internal investigation. With the Premier League summer transfer window closing at 11pm on Friday, they are rapidly running out of time to achieve that objective.
If a move is not finalised before then, United may have to wait until the January transfer window opens, or face paying Greenwood around £8million to terminate his contract, which is worth £75,000 per week and runs until June 2025.
Greenwood has not played professional football since January 2022, but the i reports that Besiktas have emerged as a viable option for the 21-year-old. The Turkish club have been keeping an eye on the situation and are reportedly willing to take Greenwood on an initial six-month loan.
Besiktas reportedly believe that they can provide Greenwood with a platform to re-launch his career. Despite initial interest from others, clubs have been put off making a move for the striker due to the strength of feeling around his situation.
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Most major European leagues close their transfer windows at the same time as the Premier League on Friday, but others will remain open afterwards. Turkey is one of the most viable options, alongside Greece, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Poland. As reported by Mirror Football, Saudi Arabian sides are unlikely to entertain the idea of signing him due to fears of a public backlash.
United’s most recent statement on Greenwood read: "Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood. Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped.
"Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club's standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible.
Besiktas are interested in signing Mason Greenwood on loan (Getty Images)"This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
"Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
"All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome."