July 23, 2026

The African Tribune

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Mason greenwood transfer saga: om’s move stirs controversy before Fenerbahçe deal

Football’s transfer window has once again become a stage for unexpected twists, with Mason Greenwood at the center of a dramatic saga. The English winger, who was on the brink of joining AS Roma, has now shifted his focus toward Fenerbahçe, leaving Italian football circles in a state of frustration.

Mason Greenwood during his time at Olympique de Marseille

Olympique de Marseille (OM) has been forced to offload Greenwood to balance its financial books and reduce payroll costs. The club’s decision to prioritize a transfer that now favors Fenerbahçe over AS Roma has sparked sharp reactions, particularly in Italy. The move was initially anticipated as a near-certainty for the Italian capital club, where manager Gian Piero Gasperini had identified Greenwood as a key target.

Italian football voices frustration over transfer chaos

Italian football pundits have wasted no time in criticizing the unfolding situation. Journalist Roberto Pruzzo expressed his dismay, stating, « Greenwood’s transfer is the kind that never ends well. There’s no clarity on whether the player truly wanted to join Roma. Ultimately, he’s heading to Fenerbahçe. Rarely does one hear, ‘This is the player I want,’ only to finalize the deal two hours later. »

His colleague Fernando Orsi added to the criticism, saying, « The world of football doesn’t revolve around Greenwood. He doesn’t strike me as a reliable presence, and with half the money, clubs can secure someone far more suitable for Gasperini’s system. The World Cup serves as a stage for players to shine. »

Gasperini’s plan B gains traction amid transfer fallout

Meanwhile, Italian football insiders are already looking ahead. Journalist Paolo Marcacci highlighted potential alternatives, mentioning, « Moreira is a top-tier player whose profile aligns perfectly with Gasperini’s philosophy. His stock has risen since the World Cup, but we’ll see how it unfolds. The same applies to Nusa, Garnacho, and others. Then there’s Tresoldi, who delivered a strong league campaign. Gasperini could refine Moreira into an even more complete player. Greenwood’s salary is beyond the reach of Italian clubs, and clubs are choosing to forgo Champions League football for his services. »