Roma assisted by former defender Bentaita as Greenwood deadline approaches
Quick summary
Roma are reportedly receiving help from former defender Bentaita in their pursuit of Mason Greenwood from Marseille, with a deadline for the deal fast approaching.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFormer Roma defender Medhi Benatia is reportedly acting as a middle-man in negotiations between the Giallorossi and Marseille, who face a race against time to get a deal done for controversial striker Mason Greenwood.
Benatia involved in Greenwood negotiations between Roma and Marseille It has been a poorly-kept secret that Roma are attempting to sign the former Manchester United forward this summer from Marseille, who urgently need to sell players before the end of the month if they are to avoid a major FFP breach.
The Giallorossi are also operating with restrictions under their UEFA settlement agreement, but look increasingly likely to part company with Mathias Soule, who has had profitable offers from the Saudi Pro League.
If Roma sell Soule before the end of the month, they will be able to register the entirety of his transfer fee in the accounts for the 2025-26 season, as is the same for Marseille if they sell Greenwood by June 30. However, the cost of signing a new player can be spread out over the duration of the player’s contract.
According to the latest updates from the Corriere dello Sport, Roma have an agreement in full with Greenwood and his agent on personal terms. If the Englishman were to move to the Stadio Olimpico, it is understood that he would earn an initial salary of €4.5m per season plus bonuses, which would rise over several years of the contract.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) The remaining obstacle for Roma is to agree a fee with Marseille. The French side are said to value Greenwood in the region of €50m-€55m, aware of the fact that Manchester United will be entitled to a 40% sell-on, while Roma are reportedly willing to invest around €45m including bonuses on the transfer fee.
According to the Corriere dello Sport , acting as a middle-man in negotiations between the two clubs is former Roma and Juventus defender Benatia, who served as Marseille’s sporting director between 2025 and 2026, but continues to work with the club in a transfer consultancy role.
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What happened
Roma are pushing to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille, with a deadline looming for the transfer to be completed. Former defender Bentaita is reportedly assisting the Italian club in negotiations, potentially as an intermediary or advisor with knowledge of the situation. The outcome of this pursuit could significantly reshape Roma's attacking options for the upcoming season. Marseille, meanwhile, may be preparing for Greenwood's departure as they consider replacement options.
Chance analysis
Greenwood's potential move from Marseille to Roma represents a significant transfer that would give Roma a proven goal-scorer and attacking focal point, while Marseille would lose their primary offensive weapon. The involvement of a former defender as an intermediary suggests Roma are leveraging personal connections to accelerate negotiations ahead of the deadline. For prediction systems, this is a key squad-availability variable that could materially affect Roma's attacking output if completed.
If completed, Roma gain a top-quality attacker while Marseille lose their main goal threat, shifting the balance of both teams' offensive capabilities.
Monitor whether the Greenwood deal completes before the deadline, as his availability would significantly boost Roma's attack and weaken Marseille.