Check the small print on Mason Greenwood’s contract

Few signings, like the Mason Greenwood one secured by Getafe at the last minute of the summer transfer window, have caused such surprise and controversy. The off-field incidents in which the 21-year-old Englishman was involved (charges of sexual assault, ultimately withdrawn by his girlfriend) have kept him inactive for nearly a year and a half, casting doubt on his competitive future.

These events even led a league as the Saudi Professional League, situated in a country and society scrutinized by international bodies for its values, to veto his arrival. And social pressure within the club, following the absence of a trial, prevented him from returning to play for Manchester United.

Finer details of Greenwood’s loan deal

Lazio, as revealed by their president Claudio Lotito, was the other team competing alongside the Spanish club to accommodate the latest wonderkid to have emerged from the United academy.

“I tried until the end, but they didn’t sign in time. He wanted to come to Lazio,” Lotito declared. Whatever the reasons that led the former England international to join the team at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, there was included some small print in the contract, considering his history.

To preempt potential issues during the first six months, the Blues decided to include a release clause in the one-year loan contract they signed with Manchester United, with whom he has one year remaining on his contract, executable in January. Greenwood, therefore, is under continuous evaluation.

Bordalás defends Greenwood

“It’s a very delicate situation, not something to be taken lightly. Everyone knows what happened, and the appropriate measures were taken. Everyone knows how it ended, with a non-conviction verdict,” stated the Getafe coach Bordelás in the press room of the Santiago Bernabéu after losing to Real Madrid 2-1 on Saturday.

“He is a footballer of immense talent, and he comes to Getafe with great enthusiasm. From our side, we can only offer our support.”