Transfer Centre

Getafe boss: 'Jude Bellingham told Mason Greenwood to make La Liga move'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 September 2023

Getafe boss: 'Bellingham told Greenwood to make La Liga move'

Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas claims that Jude Bellingham played a role in Mason Greenwood making the move to the Spanish outfit on loan from Manchester United.

Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas has claimed that Jude Bellingham played a role in Mason Greenwood making the move to the Spanish outfit on loan earlier this month.

Greenwood, 21, completed a loan switch to the La Liga team on transfer deadline day, with it being decided in August that the forward would not represent Manchester United again despite having all criminal charges facing him dropped earlier this year.

In January 2022, following associations from a woman, Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

The forward was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but there is no longer a case against him.

Mason Greenwood arrives in court in November 2022 © Reuters

Greenwood has stepped up his training sessions with Getafe during the international break, and there is believed to be a slight chance that he could be in the squad against Osasuna this weekend.

A number of clubs were linked with the forward when it became clear that he would be leaving Old Trafford, with teams from Turkey, in addition to Italian side Lazio, said to have held discussions over a move.

The move to Getafe came as somewhat of a surprise, but Bordalas has claimed that Bellingham was involved.

"Greenwood has a friendship with Bellingham and he recommended that he come and play in the Spanish league," Bordalas told Marca.

"He is a fantastic player. We have to be patient and calm. His teammates and the coaching staff are helping him. He is adapting sensationally well and I hope he can help us."

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on June 15, 2023 © Reuters

Bellingham completed a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid over the summer, and the midfielder has made a terrific start to life at Bernabeu.

The 20-year-old has found the back of the net on five occasions in his first four La Liga appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side, excelling in an advanced midfield position.

Greenwood, meanwhile, has a contract with Man United until June 2025, and it is unclear what will happen with the Englishman next summer, as Getafe do not have a buy option in the deal.

Speaking earlier this month, Getafe sporting director Ruben Reyes said that his club "dreamed" of being able to sign the Red Devils academy product, while the club's official 'X' account have posted multiple videos of the youngster in training over the last couple of weeks.