The transfer saga surrounding Mason Greenwood has intensified, with the Olympique de Marseille (OM) now finalizing a move to Turkish club Fenerbahçe. This abrupt shift follows weeks of speculation that had placed the English winger firmly in the sights of Serie A’s AS Roma.

Financial constraints and strict wage regulations have forced the OM to offload Greenwood, a decision that has left Italian football circles divided. While Roma’s Gian Piero Gasperini had publicly prioritized the player, Fenerbahçe’s unexpected intervention has derailed those plans, leaving pundits and fans alike questioning the reliability of such high-profile transfers.

Italian experts voice concerns over transfer ethics

Prominent Italian football commentator Roberto Pruzzo expressed skepticism about the outcome of the negotiations. “Greenwood’s case is a textbook example of how these deals often unravel. There’s always uncertainty—does the player genuinely want to join Roma? By the time everything is sorted, he ends up elsewhere, like Fenerbahçe. It’s rare to see a club say, ‘This is the player we want,’ and have it finalized within hours.” he noted.

His colleague Fernando Orsi went further, questioning Greenwood’s professionalism. “Football doesn’t revolve around one player. Greenwood doesn’t strike me as someone dependable, and with half the budget, Roma could secure a far better fit for Gasperini. The World Cup is a golden opportunity for players to showcase their talent.”

Roma’s plan B: A strategic alternative?

Paolo Marcacci, another respected voice in Italian football, has already shifted focus to potential replacements. “Moreira is a world-class talent whose style aligns perfectly with Gasperini’s system. His market value has surged post-World Cup, but Roma still has options: Nusa, Garnacho, and others. Tresoldi also delivered a standout season. Gasperini could refine Moreira into an even more complete player. Greenwood’s salary is simply unaffordable for Italian clubs, especially if it means forfeiting Champions League participation.”