Mason Greenwood almost forced out of Marseille after Medhi Benatia tensions last season | OneFootball

An investigation published by La Provence has claimed that Olympique de Marseille forward Mason Greenwood came close to being placed on the transfer list last season amid tensions with sporting director Medhi Benatia.

According to the report, Benatia frequently criticised Greenwood’s commitment and work rate during the campaign. The outlet claims that the English forward was even close to being made available for transfer because he was not contributing enough defensively for the team. The English forward reportedly avoided the sporting director around the club.

The report also suggests that then-head coach Roberto De Zerbi briefly followed the sporting director’s lead, leaving Greenwood out of the starting XI for two consecutive matches towards the end of the winter period, against RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Greenwood soon returned to the starting lineup and finished the season strongly. La Provence notes that the forward scored six goals in the final eight league matches of the campaign, including a decisive goal against Le Havre AC that helped Marseille secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

According to the investigation, that late run of form ultimately ensured that Greenwood was not placed on the transfer market during the following summer window.GFFN | George Boxall