After dedicating 18 years to Chelsea, Mason Mount has officially joined Manchester United, marking the club's first acquisition of the off-season. The transfer fee is reported at £55 million ($69 million).
The England international has committed to a five-year contract, with the possibility of an additional year. This agreement concludes weeks of discussions between the two clubs, which began at the end of the season.
Mount expressed his excitement about the new challenge, stating, "Leaving the club where you've grown up is always tough, but Manchester United presents a thrilling opportunity for the next stage of my career. Having played against them, I understand the squad's strength, and I'm eager to contribute to their pursuit of major titles."
An additional £5 million ($6.3 million) could be paid to Chelsea based on Mount achieving specific performance-related goals. The 24-year-old midfielder was a priority target for United manager Erik ten Hag as he prepares for his second season at Old Trafford. Ten Hag is also keen to secure a top-tier striker to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure last November.
Ten Hag aims to build a team capable of contending for the Premier League title and competing effectively in the Champions League. Mount echoed this ambition, saying, "It's clear that the club has progressed significantly under Erik ten Hag. After speaking with him about his vision, I'm incredibly enthusiastic about the upcoming seasons and ready for the hard work that lies ahead. I'm driven by ambition and know the incredible feeling of winning major trophies – and what it takes to achieve that. I'll give my all to experience that success again at Manchester United."
A key member of Chelsea's 2021 Champions League-winning squad, Mount has risen through the club's academy to become a prominent Premier League midfielder. He also contributed to Chelsea's victories in the European Super Cup and Club World Cup. During his time at Chelsea, he made 195 appearances, scoring 33 goals, while also solidifying his place in the England national team.
John Murtough, Manchester United's football director, praised Mount's intelligence, technical skills, and tactical awareness, emphasizing his potential to elevate the performance of his teammates. He expressed delight at Mount's decision to continue his career at Old Trafford.
On Tuesday, Mount shared a heartfelt video message with Chelsea fans, confirming his departure from the club he joined at the age of six. He acknowledged that his decision might disappoint some supporters, but affirmed it was the right move for his career progression.
Mount's departure is part of a significant summer overhaul at Chelsea, with several high-profile players like N'Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy already leaving. Further departures are anticipated, including Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. This exodus follows a season of heavy investment by Chelsea, exceeding $630 million, despite a disappointing campaign that saw them miss out on European qualification and record their worst-ever Premier League finish.
