Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly exploring the possibility of reuniting with Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.
De Zerbi, who assumed managerial duties at Tottenham earlier this year, previously worked with Greenwood during their stint together at Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1.
Under De Zerbi’s management in France, Greenwood rediscovered his best form after his permanent exit from Manchester United, emerging as one of the most effective attackers in the French top flight.
According to transfer journalist Nico Schira, the Italian manager is now eager to bring the 24-year-old back to the Premier League to lead Tottenham’s revamped attacking line.
Any potential transfer for the English forward is expected to stir debate among sections of the Tottenham fanbase and could reignite tensions surrounding De Zerbi’s appointment.
After De Zerbi’s arrival at the north London club, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust and other affiliated groups such as Women of the Lane publicly criticised the decision, referencing controversial comments the manager had made while in France.
De Zerbi had earlier defended Greenwood, describing him as a “good guy” who had “paid a heavy price.” These comments were condemned by fan groups as “ill-judged” and “deeply offensive,” prompting the Italian to issue a public statement during his first interview with the club. In that clarification, he apologised for any offence caused and insisted that he never intended to diminish the seriousness of violence against women.
Greenwood’s permanent departure from Old Trafford in 2024 marked the end of a prolonged period of scrutiny following his arrest in January 2022. He had been charged with attempted rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. However, in February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that all charges had been dropped.
The CPS explained that the decision followed the withdrawal of key witnesses and the presentation of new evidence, which collectively meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
Despite the conclusion of legal proceedings, Manchester United and Greenwood mutually agreed that continuing his career elsewhere would be in the best interest of both parties. This led to a loan spell at Getafe before his eventual permanent move to Marseille.
As De Zerbi seeks to shape Tottenham Hotspur’s future squad, Greenwood has reportedly emerged as one of his preferred targets. While any pursuit of the forward will likely attract public scrutiny, De Zerbi remains a strong admirer of Greenwood’s footballing abilities as Tottenham prepare for an active summer transfer window.