Benfica sporting director Rui Pedro Braz allegedly meets with Mason Greenwood and his father to discuss a move for the Manchester United forward.
Benfica sporting director Rui Pedro Braz has reportedly met with Mason Greenwood and his father to discuss a switch to the Portuguese giants during this summer’s transfer window.
Greenwood is widely expected to leave Manchester United on a permanent basis in the upcoming market, and a number of clubs have been credited with an interest in his services.
Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are among the clubs said to be keen on a player who scored 10 times and registered six assists while on loan at Spanish outfit Getafe during the 2023-24 campaign.
According to Record, Benfica are also firmly in the race, with the Portuguese giants making their interest known ahead of the opening of the summer market.
The report claims that the club’s sporting director Braz recently travelled to Spain to meet with Greenwood and his father, and he made it clear that the forward is wanted at Estadio da Luz.
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Benfica chief ‘meets with Greenwood to discuss move’
Greenwood has a contract with Man United until June 2025, and the club’s new sporting director Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested earlier this year that the Englishman could have a future at Old Trafford.
However, it is widely thought that the forward’s time with the Red Devils will come to an end on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window.
Greenwood has not played for Man United since January 2022, with his last appearance coming against West Ham United in the Premier League.
Two years ago, following accusations from a woman, Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
The Red Devils academy product was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but the case against him was officially dropped in February 2023.
Man United had allegedly decided to bring Greenwood back into their side last year, but the club were forced into a U-turn due to the strong reaction of the public.
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Greenwood has thanked Getafe for their support
In a statement on Instagram, the Englishman thanked Getafe for their support during the 2023-24 campaign, with the La Liga outfit controversially signing him on loan.
“Incredibly grateful to the Getafe family and fans for an amazing season, Thank you for making me feel welcomed and one of your own. I enjoyed every second, alongside my teammates and club,” he wrote.
“A bitter sweet ending, but it was a pleasure to play for you, I wish you all the best.”
Getafe had been hopeful of keeping hold of Greenwood, but the club do not have the financial power to sign him on a permanent basis, and another loan switch this summer is seen as highly unlikely.
Greenwood has scored 35 goals and registered 12 assists in 129 matches for Man United in all competitions, while he has been capped on one occasion by England.