In a stunning transfer development, Mason Mount has bid farewell to his boyhood club Chelsea and officially joined their arch-rivals Manchester United. The deal, valued at an initial £55m, with a potential £5m in add-ons, marks a significant shift for the talented midfielder.
The 24-year-old Mount has inked a five-year contract with Manchester United, including an option to extend for an additional year.
Explaining his decision, Mount revealed that it was Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag’s blueprint for the team that ultimately convinced him to make the move.
“Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead,” expressed the England international, Mount. “Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik Ten Hag. I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
While Chelsea would have preferred to retain one of their most promising academy talents, negotiations for a new contract proved unsuccessful. With Mount’s current deal set to expire next year and growing financial fair play concerns, the club was compelled to make the difficult decision, especially after spending £600m last season. Furthermore, Chelsea had previously turned down three separate bids from the Red Devils.
Mount, who has registered 33 goals in 195 appearances for Chelsea since his senior debut in 2019, was unfortunately sidelined by injury towards the end of the domestic season as the Blues finished a disappointing 12th, their lowest position in over 25 years.
“It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career,” added Mount. “Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.”
Notably, the young midfielder will don the iconic number seven shirt at Old Trafford, previously worn by legends Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. Ten Hag personally offered Mount the number during their discussions, highlighting how highly the player is regarded by the club.