In a major transfer coup, Manchester United has successfully finalized a deal with Chelsea to acquire the services of Mason Mount, according to sources close to ESPN. The agreement entails an initial fee of £55 million ($69.4 million), with an additional £5 million ($6.3 million) in potential add-ons. Insiders familiar with the negotiations revealed that the performance-based bonuses owed to Chelsea are contingent upon Mount’s appearances and achievements at his new club, Old Trafford. With the talented midfielder presently enjoying a holiday, his medical examination at United is scheduled to take place in the upcoming week.
The agreement reached by the two English giants marks a compromise, as Chelsea had initially demanded £70 million for the services of the 24-year-old England international. Manchester United had previously seen multiple bids of £40 million, £50 million, and £55 million turned down by the Blues. Mount, who was set to enter the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, had experienced a breakdown in contract negotiations with Chelsea. Consequently, had he remained with the club, he would have been able to depart as a free agent next summer.
The impending transfer to Manchester United marks Mount as the first new signing under the management of Erik ten Hag. The player, having agreed to personal terms with his new club, is now slated to undergo a medical examination before joining Ten Hag’s squad for the preseason tour of the United States. The tour will commence in New York on July 20, and Mount could potentially make his debut for the Red Devils in a friendly match against Leeds United in Oslo on July 12. As Mount bids farewell to his boyhood club Chelsea, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having made 195 appearances for the Blues.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in the team’s triumphant Champions League campaign under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel in 2021. The acquisition of Mason Mount by Manchester United represents a significant strengthening of the squad as they seek to mount a title challenge in the upcoming season. With his exceptional talent and versatility on the pitch, Mount is expected to provide an invaluable contribution to United’s midfield, bolstering their chances of securing silverware under the tenure of Erik ten Hag.