OM: Mason Greenwood makes a bold decision

Against Lyon on Sunday, Greenwood had an off day and was taken off at half-time by Roberto De Zerbi. But that isolated hiccup changes nothing: the coach continues to back him, just like last season when he finished with 22 goals and 6 assists in 36 matches. This season, he has already scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists in 3 Ligue 1 games. And with the Champions League starting soon, Greenwood will be expected to be one of the main weapons in De Zerbi’s project.

England or Jamaica: decision postponed

Internationally, Greenwood remains in limbo. Developed through the England setup (U17, U18, U21s, then one cap with the senior team), he hasn’t been called up since his legal troubles. Yet the door remains open, because he has played only one official match and therefore meets FIFA’s criteria for a change of sporting nationality.

In August, the BBC revealed he had obtained a Jamaican passport. But according to the Daily Mail, he has not yet signed the document formalizing his departure from the England squad. Result: no call-up this September, neither with England nor with Jamaica.

A disappointment for Steve McClaren, the Jamaican head coach: “We secured a passport and hoped to have him with us to face Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago. But his family said he isn’t committing to anyone for the time being.” He added: “Mason loves Jamaica. But he wants to focus on his club first.”

A deliberate career choice

This choice to bide his time says it all: Greenwood doesn’t want to spread himself thin. Courted this summer by Saudi Arabia, he has already made his decision at club level: he’s staying in Marseille. Not to hide, but to assert himself. In a season where OM splashed over €100m in the transfer window and is aiming for a real European run, Greenwood needs to be one of the leaders.

The analysis

In a football world saturated with controversies and speculation, Greenwood is choosing the clearest path: to focus on the pitch and on OM. For a club that has once again undergone deep changes, that’s excellent news. But be warned: this choice comes with huge expectations. At the Vélodrome, supporters forgive everything… except a lack of commitment.