Manchester United has finally struck a deal with Chelsea to sign Mason Mount – and it’s a significant one for Erik ten Hag’s side.
United had appeared willing to walk away from negotiations for the England midfielder after previous bids were rejected by the Blues. But on Thursday afternoon the news broke that Mount would be heading to Old Trafford on a five-year deal for an initial fee of £55million, which could rise to £60m with add-ons.
Mount only had 12 months left on his current Chelsea contract. The Blues were running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer had an agreement not been reached. The 24-year-old will be delighted with the deal, which ends a period of uncertainty over his future.
The 2022/23 season was a difficult one for Mount. He only contributed three goals and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances. The campaign was injury-hit and went on amid a background of rumblings over a new Chelsea contract.
Mount felt undervalued, with his £80,000-a-week wages putting him outside the top 20 earners at Chelsea. He reportedly rejected an offer of around £200,000 per week back in November, in part because Raheem Sterling (£325,000 per week) and Reece James (£250,000 per week) were pulling in significantly more.
His move to United will see Mount move level with some of his peers. Additionally, Mount will be paid a basic wage of £250,000-a-week, while bonuses could push that figure up to £300,000-a-week.
For context, David de Gea’s contract which is due to expire in a few days is worth £375,000. That is the same amount Marcus Rashford could earn if his new deal is confirmed.
While the headline fee is £60m, United will only have to pay that amount if they embark on a hugely successful few seasons with Ten Hag. As a result, United will only end up paying the £5m if they win the Premier League title or Champions League multiple times with Mount at the club.
Mount is expected to undergo a medical next week and will become the first signing of the summer window for United, who have been operating under some uncertainty due to the ongoing takeover saga at the club.
Once he has arrived, attention will turn to signing a top-class striker, with the position a clear weakness ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Saudi Arabia in December. The loan signing of Wout Weghorst in January did little to plug the gap and Ten Hag wants a statement arrival in the coming weeks.
Mount made 195 appearances for Chelsea, contributing 33 goals and 37 assists. He won the club’s player of the season award on two occasions and leaves a club in a rebuilding phase under Mauricio Pochettino.