Man Utd have agreed £60m deal with Chelsea for Mason Mount; England international set to sign five-year contract at Old Trafford with option of a further year; Mount has now completed his medical and said goodbye to Chelsea fans on Tuesday evening via social media
Wednesday 5 July 2023 11:02, UK
Mason Mount says his imminent £60m move to Manchester United "is right for me at this moment in my career" after he completed a medical ahead of his transfer from Chelsea.
Contracts are now being finalised and a formal announcement is expected in the next 24 hours. The deal is a £55m initial payment plus £5m in performance-related add-ons.
Sky Sports News understands the add-ons are strongly dependent on appearances and success. United have offered the England international a five-year contract with an extra year option.
Mount has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and United initially had three bids rejected by their Premier League rivals.
In a farewell social media video to Chelsea supporters on Tuesday evening, Mount said: "Hi Chelsea fans. Given the speculation over the last couple of months, this may not come as a surprise to you that I've made the decision to leave Chelsea. I feel you deserve more than just a written statement.
"So I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I've been for all of your support over the last 18 years. I know some of you won't be happy with my decision, but it's what is right for me at this moment in my career.
"I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we've been through a lot together. Winning the Youth Cup, my player of the year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and the unforgettable night where we won the Champions League.
"I want to say thank you to the academy for being so influential to me from a young age. The managers I've worked under, the backroom staff, all of my team-mates over the years who have become my brothers, and most importantly you guys.
"I wish you all the best."
Meanwhile, United remain in talks with Atalanta over the signing of striker Rasmus Hojlund. A gap in valuation exists - but it is thought the player wants to make the move.
The club also have their valuation of the player and will move to alternative targets if they feel Atalanta are overpricing the player. United are also looking at Eintracht Frankfurt striker Kolo Muani.
A new goalkeeper also remains on the agenda. Inter Milan's Andre Onana is one of a few United are looking at. However, there is a feeling he may be too expensive, and United continue to look at other options.
Dialogue is still open with David de Gea over a new deal, with the 32-year-old Spaniard officially out of contract.
United boss Erik ten Hag first bumped into Mount when he was Ajax head coach. On loan at Vitesse Arnhem, the 18-year-old's free-kick led to his side's third goal as they beat Ajax 3-2 in March 2018.
Ten Hag, then in charge of just his eighth game at Ajax, reportedly tried to sign Mount for the Dutch club on loan from Chelsea the following season. Fourteen goals and 10 assists in his first full campaign of senior football, largely from central midfield, had caught Ten Hag's attention.
Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:
Only the formalities remain for Mason Mount to complete his move to Manchester United.
The deal, which is an initial £55m, is a good one for the club bearing in mind Chelsea's starting price point was £70m, but more than that, Mount represents exactly what Erik ten Hag wants in the centre of the park.
Sky Sports News understands the manager arrived at United with 83 principles that he explained to staff and the squad - they ranged from a number of things like discipline and taking responsibility - but a large number of his laws circled what to do out of possession.
Mount, in this respect, ticks all the traits Ten Hag wants without the ball in terms of his pressing ability, work ethic, movement and orientation to help quick transitions. His habit of protecting the ball, versatility, two footedness, and comfort in being a creator also appealed.
Jonathan Liew of The Guardian told Sky Sports News:
"Manchester United are getting the better deal, for certain.
"The deal is an indictment of the chaos at Chelsea, the shambolic way the club has been run over the last 12 months. Chelsea are losing one of their homegrown stars, a hero of the club, one who has performed well for them, a real favourite with the fans.
"The fact they can't find a way to keep him, to build a team around him, says a lot about where Chelsea are, as does the fact he sees Manchester United as the more stable, long-term option.
"United are getting a player who is still young, who is an international, who can play lots of different roles and has incredible attitude and work-rate in attack and defence. Mount is a versatile player who Erik ten Hag will believe can take United to the next level."
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
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