01 September 2023 , 21:58
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Mason Greenwood has completed a controversial deadline day move to Spanish side Getafe.
Manchester United striker Greenwood, 21, hasn't played professional football since his arrest in January 2022. Charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the forward were dropped seven months ago.
United concluded an internal investigation after Greenwood's criminal case ended and announced he will not represent the club again in August. Their preference was to sell the England international before Friday's transfer deadline to avoid paying him off. Greenwood still has two years left on his £80,000-a-week contract.
Although United haven't managed to sell Greenwood, they have resolved his immediate future. He's signed a season-long loan deal with Getafe, meaning United will not have to cancel his contract in September as some had feared. The LaLiga club rushed through an offer to sign the striker after a dramatic deadline day full of twists and turns.
Italian giants Lazio made an offer, pulled out and then tried to resurrect it before the Serie A window shut at 6pm UK time as they even had the paperwork ready. But they could not complete in time and, after interest from Olympiacos and Besiktas, Getafe came back with a new offer.
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Getafe are paying only a fraction of Greenwood's salary and have not paid a loan fee. Getafe was the only option at the end of the window and United had to sanction a loan which still leaves the door open for Greenwood to return to Old Trafford in the long term.
United released a statement which read: “Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United.
“The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”
Greenwood hasn't played since January 2022 (Getty Images)Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, including 17 during the 2019/20 campaign. He won the club's Young Player of the Year award the previous year and was nominated for the Golden Boy award in 2021.
Greenwood made his international debut for England in September 2020 but has not represented Gareth Southgate's side since.
United released a statement on Greenwood's future on August 2021, as well as statements from the player and club CEO Richard Arnold. The club said: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Man Utd.
"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."
Getafe face Real Madrid on Saturday.