Mason Greenwood is dealing with a huge blow after departing from Manchester United. He recently announced his departure from the club, where he joined when he was just seven. After leaving United, there were rumors that he would be going to Saudi Arabia. However, there has been a slight hitch in Greenwood’s plans, and his future remains uncertain at present.
Greenwood has been struggling to resume his soccer career since he was arrested on charges of s*xually assaulting his girlfriend Harriet Robson. There were rumors that Manchester United was going to bring back Greenwood from his suspension. However, amid immense fan protests, the 21-year-old decided to depart from Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood statement 🔴⤵️
I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.
I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did… pic.twitter.com/uFodIG1xzq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2023
With Saudi Arabia spending an exorbitant amount of money on soccer stars, it was expected that they wouldn’t miss out on the chance to sign Greenwood. However, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is reportedly deciding against signing him. The SAFF started its inaugural season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League last year, and its popularity is rapidly increasing.
There has been an 86% rise in the registration of female soccer players and a 56% increase in the number of women’s soccer clubs. Moreover, female soccer players are playing without their traditional head covers. In addition to this, more and more male fans have been attending their games. Therefore, Saudi Arabia fears the negative PR they might suffer due to Greenwood’s arrival.
Fans react as Saudi Arabia hesitates to sign Mason Greenwood
The news of Greenwood’s potential transfer to Saudi Arabia hanging by a thread has gone viral on the Internet. Some fans are in consonance with SAFF’s alleged decision to not sign the 21-year-old star. Although others believe that Greenwood deserves a second chance.
Dont make it sound like we are perfect, everyone make mistakes.
— Anayo (@Sunayaglobal) August 22, 2023
Wow, I feel bad for him now
— Uncle Chu (@datchughuy) August 22, 2023
Actions have consequences
— Ian (@Altaria_Motives) August 22, 2023
Meanwhile, there also have been reports that the reason behind SAFF’s hesitation to sign Greenwood is none other than his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Back when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United for a second time, Greenwood made a rather harsh comment that hasn’t gone down well with the Al-Nassr star.
The former Manchester United star had claimed that Ronaldo was well past his prime when the Portuguese icon arrived at United in 2021. Therefore, Ronaldo has reportedly influenced SAFF’s decision to block Greenwood’s move. Furthermore, Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard also recently dismissed the rumors of his club being allegedly interested in signing Greenwood.