Olympique de Marseille’s attempt to offload Mason Greenwood has taken another unexpected turn, with the English winger now poised to join Fenerbahçe instead of AS Roma, where he had been the preferred target of manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The sudden shift in destination has reignited debates across European football circles, particularly in Italy, where frustration over the handling of the deal continues to grow.

The Olympique de Marseille (OM) faces mounting financial pressure, compelling the club to sell Greenwood to balance its books and reduce its wage bill. While an agreement with AS Roma seemed imminent, the player’s eventual move to Turkey has left Italian football pundits questioning the reliability of such transfers. The drama unfolding in this transfer window underscores the volatility that often surrounds high-profile deals, especially when multiple clubs are involved.

Italian football voices frustration over failed roma pursuit

Italian football analysts have been vocal about the situation, with figures like Roberto Pruzzo and Fernando Orsi criticizing the outcome. Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, lamented the recurring pattern of such negotiations: “Greenwood? This kind of deal always ends badly. We never truly know if the player genuinely wants to join Roma, and in the end, he ends up at Fenerbahçe. It’s rare to hear, ‘This is the player I want,’ and see it materialize within hours.” Orsi added, “Football doesn’t stand still for Greenwood. In my view, he isn’t a reliable figure, and with half that budget, Roma could have found someone who aligns better with Gasperini’s vision. The World Cup is a showcase for players—this isn’t the time for uncertainty.”

Roma’s plan B takes shape amid transfer turbulence

As the OM’s deal with Greenwood collapses, AS Roma is already pivoting to alternative targets. Analyst Paolo Marcacci highlighted the club’s next steps, emphasizing the potential of players like Moreira, whose stock has risen following strong performances in the World Cup. “Moreira is a top-tier player whose profile fits Gasperini’s philosophy perfectly. His market value has surged, and options like Nusa, Garnacho, and Tresoldi also present viable solutions. Gasperini could refine Moreira into an even more complete player. Greenwood’s salary is beyond the reach of Italian clubs, and Roma’s decision to forgo the Champions League adds another layer of complexity.”

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter