Manchester United have scored big in the transfer market, securing the services of England midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea.
The Red Devils have netted the 24-year-old playmaker on a five-year contract worth a whopping £55m, with an additional £5m in add-ons. This signing marks Erik ten Hag’s first acquisition of the summer, as he aims to bolster his squad following their qualification for the upcoming Champions League campaign.
Chelsea, who splurged a staggering £600m last season, were compelled to offload players before the 30th of June to address their Financial Fair Play concerns. Mount, who joined Chelsea at the tender age of six, had been the subject of three previous bids from United, all of which were rejected. However, negotiations between the two clubs resumed this week, leading to a breakthrough in the impasse.
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While Chelsea had preferred to retain Mount’s services, they were unable to secure a new contract agreement, as the player’s current deal was set to expire next year. The talented midfielder has showcased his skills and prowess, scoring 33 goals in 195 appearances for Chelsea since making his senior debut in 2019. Unfortunately, Mount missed the latter stages of the domestic season due to injury, coinciding with Chelsea’s disappointing 12th-place finish, their lowest in over 25 years.
United, on the other hand, enjoyed a more successful campaign, finishing third in the Premier League. Although Ten Hag had initially prioritized signing a new striker during this transfer window, Mount’s versatility and ability to thrive in advanced positions made him an enticing prospect for the club.
Mount’s recent achievements include winning the coveted Champions League title with Chelsea in 2021. He played a vital role in their triumph, starting in the final and contributing to their 1-0 victory over Manchester City. Additionally, he has tasted success in both the Fifa Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with the Blues.
The midfielder has also made significant contributions on the international stage, earning 36 caps for England and scoring five goals. He was a member of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.