Manchester United have announced the signing of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea on a five-year deal. The 23-year-old England international joins the Red Devils for a fee of £60 million ($76m), making him one of the most expensive transfers in the club’s history.
Mount, who came through the Chelsea academy, made 140 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals and providing 24 assists. He won the Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup with Chelsea, and was also part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2020.
Why did Manchester United sign Mount?
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he was delighted to welcome Mount to Old Trafford, praising his versatility, creativity and work ethic.
“Mason is a fantastic player who can play in different positions across the midfield. He has great vision, technique and energy, and he always gives his best for the team. He is also a leader on and off the pitch, and a winner who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” Solskjaer said.
Solskjaer added that Mount will add more quality and depth to Manchester United’s squad, which already boasts the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho.
“Mason will complement our existing midfielders very well. He can create chances, score goals and also help us defensively. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and we are confident that he will improve even more under our coaching staff,” Solskjaer said.
How will Mount fit in at Manchester United?
Mount is expected to compete for a starting spot in Manchester United’s midfield, where he can play as a number 10, a number 8 or a wide player. He will also offer Solskjaer more tactical options, as he can switch between different formations and systems.
Mount’s arrival could mean that some of Manchester United’s current midfielders will have to fight harder for their places, or even leave the club. Donny van de Beek, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira are among those who could be affected by Mount’s signing.
Mount said he was excited to join Manchester United, and thanked Chelsea for his time at Stamford Bridge.
“I am very happy to join Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. I have always admired the way they play and the history they have. I am looking forward to working with the manager, the coaches and my new teammates, and to playing in front of the amazing fans at Old Trafford,” Mount said.
“I also want to thank Chelsea for everything they have done for me. I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me to play for them, and for all the trophies we won together. I will always have a special place in my heart for Chelsea, but now I am ready for a new challenge at Manchester United,” Mount said.
Read more: Mason Mount: A Talented and Promising Young Footballer