Lazio blame Man Utd for Greenwood transfer collapse after striker "wanted" move

02 September 2023 , 10:51

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Lazio blame Man Utd for Greenwood transfer collapse after striker "wanted" move

Lazio have hit out at Manchester United after failing to secure a deadline day move for Mason Greenwood.

United had confirmed in August that Greenwood was to leave the club, though at the time they did not announce the England international's next destination. The 21-year-old last played for United in January 2022, and was suspended by the club following his arrest later that month, but in February of this year had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Serie A side Lazio were one of the interested parties as the Premier League side looked to offload the forward on Friday. Ultimately, though, a season-long loan to Getafe was completed with moments of the window remaining - to the frustration of his potential suitors from Italy.

The Italian transfer window closed a few hours before some of the other big European leagues. After Lazio failed to get a deal through, Greenwood was free to move elsewhere.

"I tried until the last minute," Lazio president Claudio Lotito told La Lazio Siamo Noi (via Goal ). "They [Man Utd] didn’t countersign in time. He wanted to come to Lazio."

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Getafe have moved for Greenwood after finishing 15th in La Liga last season. They were among the lowest scorers in the competition, with 34 goals, and have netted just once in their first three games this term.

Mason Greenwood's loan exit has been confirmed (Getty Images)

"Getafe Football Club has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the arrival of Mason Greenwood on loan for one season," a statement from the Spanish club read. "Born in Bradford (England), he has been part of the youth ranks of the 'Red Devils' since he was seven years old.

"The player has played more than 80 games in the Premier League, where he has been able to score a total of 22 goals. In addition, he has played 10 games in the Champions League with a total of 2 goals scored. On September 5, 2020 he made his debut for the England senior team."

There is no mention of an option to make the deal permanent following the initial loan. United, meanwhile, put out a statement of their own following the exit.

"Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe CF on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance," United's statement reads. "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."

Tom Victor