Mason Greenwood is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League just one season after completing a permanent move to Ligue 1 side Marseille, with the ex-Manchester United forward growing increasingly homesick despite a standout debut campaign in France.
Greenwood shines in France – but misses home
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Greenwood has enjoyed a prolific campaign at Marseille following his €31.6 million move from Manchester United last summer. The 22-year-old has netted 18 goals in 31 Ligue 1 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer in the division — only behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé.
Despite his on-field success, Greenwood is said to be “yearning” for a return to England. According to The Sun, the former United academy product is struggling with life abroad after nearly two years away and is increasingly missing his extended family and home surroundings in the North West.
A complicated journey back to English football
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Greenwood’s time at United ended in controversial circumstances. While charges of attempted rape and assault were discontinued in early 2023, the forward never featured for the club again after January 2022 and was eventually sold to Marseille.
At the time, a move abroad offered the 22-year-old a fresh start — first at Getafe on loan, and then permanently with Marseille. While the footballing transition has been smooth, life off the pitch remains complex. Sources close to the player suggest Greenwood has become more introverted and misses the familiarity of home life.
De Zerbi’s mixed messages and growing frustration
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Although Mason Greenwood has delivered consistently in front of goal, his relationship with Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly been strained at times. The Italian tactician has benched him on occasion and publicly raised concerns about his attitude and work rate in training.
Those tensions, coupled with personal longing for a return to England, have increased the likelihood of Greenwood seeking an exit in the summer — despite having four years left on his current contract.
Premier League return remains uncertain
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Despite Greenwood’s desire to return, there remains limited concrete interest from Premier League clubs at this stage. The reputational baggage still surrounding the forward means clubs are cautious, even as his form garners headlines abroad.
There have been speculative links to La Liga clubs, including Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, but any move back to the English top flight would require a club willing to handle the media scrutiny and PR risk that would follow.
What’s next?
Greenwood is expected to feature this weekend in Marseille’s crucial clash against Lille, with the club still chasing Champions League qualification. Whether this will be his final chapter in Ligue 1 remains to be seen — but as things stand, the forward appears increasingly unsettled.
