Manchester United’s Director of Football, John Murtough, has been seen in discussions with Barcelona, fueling speculation about a potential transfer involving Mason Greenwood. Reports suggest that Manchester United is considering a swap deal to see Greenwood permanently move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
In a video released by Spanish outlet Jijantes, Murtough and Matt Hargreaves, Manchester United’s Director of Negotiations, were seen meeting with Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco, as well as agents Frank Tramboli and Fede Massai from CAA Base.
💣 NOTICIA @JijantesFC
CUMBRE BARÇA – MANCHESTER UNITED
El director deportivo del United, John Murtaugh y el director de negociaciones, Matt Hargreaves, se han reunido hoy con Deco en Barcelona.
Tambien presentes los dos agentes de CAA Base, Frank Tramboli y Fede Massai.… pic.twitter.com/MvVeVWKotE
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) March 11, 2024
The involvement of CAA Base, an agency not known for representing Barcelona players, raised eyebrows and further intensified the rumors surrounding Greenwood’s potential move. Notably, Greenwood, who is currently on a season-long loan at Getafe, does not have official representation, with his father playing a significant role in his negotiations thus far.
Murtough and Hargreaves’ visit to Spain could assist Greenwood in securing a significant transfer once his loan spell concludes. The young forward has impressed during his time at Getafe, with eight goals and five assists in 26 appearances. His performances have reportedly attracted interest from top La Liga clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The footage of Murtough meeting with Deco, Tramboli, and Massai comes shortly after reports from Sport claimed that Barcelona had made their move for Greenwood. Barcelona reportedly sees him as a cost-effective option, considering United’s potential willingness to sell and resolve uncertainties surrounding his future.
It was also noted that Barcelona had already approached Manchester United to inquire about Greenwood’s situation. This renewed attention on Greenwood comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3 billiоn investment in the club in February and his remarks about making a fresh decision regarding the young striker’s future.
While it seems unlikely that Manchester United would allow Greenwood’s return under the new ownership of INEOS, it presents an opportunity for the club to generate significant funds and boost their transfer budget.
Sport also reported Manchester United’s interest in young talents from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, suggesting that Barcelona could potentially include some of these players in the deal to reduce Greenwood’s asking price.