Atletico Madrid Eye Ambitious Move to Bring Mason Greenwood Back to La Liga
Atletico Madrid ‘working the numbers’ on transfer for Marseille’s Greenwood after impressive Ligue 1 season
Mason Greenwood’s next move could be a return to familiar ground. Less than a year after signing a long-term contract with Ligue 1 giants Marseille, the 23-year-old forward is once again being linked with a potential switch—this time back to Spain. And it’s not just any club that’s interested. According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid are seriously “working the numbers” in a bid to lure the former Manchester United man to the Spanish capital.
Having enjoyed a standout 2024–25 campaign with Marseille—scoring 22 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions—Greenwood has re-established himself as one of the most talked-about attacking talents in Europe. For Atletico Madrid, that sort of form is impossible to ignore.
Greenwood’s resurgence: From Getafe to Marseille, and now possibly Madrid
It wasn’t that long ago that Greenwood’s footballing future looked uncertain. Following his suspension and subsequent exit from Manchester United, the English forward took a career-redefining step by joining Getafe on loan for the 2023–24 season. That spell proved fruitful—both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
His time in La Liga helped him rebuild confidence, refine his game, and adapt to a new environment away from the chaos of the English spotlight. That season, Greenwood scored 10 goals and registered six assists in 33 appearances for Getafe, catching the attention of Marseille scouts.
The French club acted swiftly. In the summer of 2024, they offered Greenwood a clean slate and a five-year deal—one which many saw as the beginning of a new chapter. It certainly looked like the right decision. Greenwood was electric in a Marseille shirt, emerging as the club’s top scorer and firing them back into the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid sense an opportunity amid Marseille’s ambitious rebuild
Now, just one year into his long-term deal, Greenwood is on the radar again. Atletico Madrid, in need of reinforcements in attack following the departures of Angel Correa and Rodrigo Riquelme, are assessing the financial framework of a potential deal. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Madrid club are evaluating how to structure a transfer that could make sense for both parties.
For Atleti, Greenwood’s previous La Liga experience is a big plus. Diego Simeone is known for demanding intense discipline and tactical adaptability from his forwards. Greenwood’s successful stint at Getafe, combined with his explosive form in France, suggests he has the tools to thrive under Simeone’s watch.
While no formal bid has yet been lodged, the wheels are turning. Atletico are not a club that makes rash moves—if they’re “working the numbers,” it means there’s serious interest behind the scenes.
Marseille face big decisions in a pivotal summer
From Marseille’s perspective, the situation is a delicate one. Greenwood is clearly a prized asset, both in terms of performance and value. However, the club’s ambitions heading into the 2025–26 season are huge. They are openly targeting a title challenge against perennial Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and will return to the Champions League group stage later this year.
Selling Greenwood, especially after such a prolific season, would send a mixed message—unless, of course, it’s part of a broader financial strategy or if a replacement is already lined up.
Interestingly, Greenwood has reportedly played a key role in Marseille’s summer recruitment efforts. His presence at the club is believed to have helped secure the signing of England international Angel Gomes, who arrived on a free transfer from Lille. The squad could be further bolstered by the return of veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been linked with a second spell at the Stade Vélodrome.
So, while the idea of losing Greenwood may cause concern among fans, Marseille’s sporting project remains ambitious and dynamic.
Atleti’s summer of change and calculated investment
This summer has been one of transition at Atletico Madrid. Long-time figures like César Azpilicueta and Axel Witsel have departed following the expiration of their contracts. Rodrigo Riquelme and Angel Correa have also moved on, leaving gaps in the squad that need addressing.
But Simeone hasn’t stood still. Atleti have already completed several deals in recent weeks, including the signings of Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta, Alex Baena from Villarreal, Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, and World Cup winner Thiago Almada from Atlanta United. Clement Lenglet and goalkeeper Juan Musso also joined permanently after successful loan spells.
The club is clearly investing in youth and athleticism—players who can bring energy and flexibility to a system that often demands both grit and guile. Greenwood, in that sense, fits the mould perfectly. He’s quick, direct, versatile enough to play wide or centrally, and—most importantly—he knows La Liga.
Will Greenwood return to Spain?
Whether this proposed transfer materialises remains to be seen. Marseille are under no immediate pressure to sell. Greenwood is under contract until 2029, and his stock is higher now than it has ever been since his breakout at Manchester United. Any deal would likely need to include a significant fee—or at least a creatively structured package involving bonuses and incentives.
For Greenwood, the decision may come down to how he views his long-term development. Marseille have given him the platform to relaunch his career, but a move to Atletico Madrid would put him back under the European spotlight on a grander stage. He would also be part of a squad with genuine ambitions of winning La Liga and competing deep into the Champions League.
There’s also the not-so-small matter of England. With Gareth Southgate’s future uncertain beyond 2026, Greenwood could still harbour hopes of forcing his way back into the national team setup. Playing under a high-profile manager like Simeone and scoring regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues wouldn’t hurt his case.
Final thoughts: A calculated gamble for both clubs
For Atletico Madrid, the idea of bringing Mason Greenwood back to Spain isn’t just about bolstering their attack—it’s about seizing a timely opportunity. A player who’s proven himself in La Liga, hit his stride in Ligue 1, and still has his best years ahead is a rare commodity.
For Marseille, it’s about weighing immediate performance against long-term financial sustainability. Can they afford to let him go? Or do they build their title challenge around him?
In a summer full of shifting narratives and blockbuster moves, Greenwood’s future is quietly becoming one of the most intriguing stories in European football. A return to La Liga? It’s very much on the table—and Atletico Madrid are watching closely.
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