MANCHESTER UNITED have completed the £60million signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea.
That’s after the Red Devils initially teased his arrival with a caption saying: “The excitement is mounting.”
GettyMason Mount has left Chelsea for Manchester United[/caption]
GettyThe midfielder has penned a long-term deal with the Red Devils[/caption]
Erik ten Hag has landed his No1 midfield target after weeks of negotiations with the Blues.
The Red Devils initially had three bids rejected for the England international.
After the third offer was turned down the deal appeared to be in jeopardy.
But the two clubs agreed an initial £55m fee during a meeting last week, with a further £5m in add-ons.
Mount declared: “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.
“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.
“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.
“Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.
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“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.”
Director John Murtough added: “Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad.
“We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.
“His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff.
“Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness.
“We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea posted a tribute to Mount on social media.
Owner Todd Boehly noted: “Mason is a consummate professional and a popular figure at the club.
“We want to thank him for all his efforts on and off the pitch throughout his time at Chelsea.”
Mount, 24, had just a year remaining on his Chelsea contract.
He has now penned a five-year deal with United worth around £250,000 a week.
And he finalised the final few details of his transfer today after arriving at Carrington.
On Tuesday Mount announced he was leaving the Blues in an emotional video he shared with fans.
But supporters reckon the clip was filmed ages ago as Mount showed off an old hair style.
He said: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you.
“But it does not make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea.
“I feel you deserve more than a written statement so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all your support over the last 18 years.
“I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision but it’s what’s 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 of course the unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.
“I want to say thank you to the academy, the managers I’ve worked under. The backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham.
“My team-mates who I’ve played with over the years that have become brothers. My family for their continued love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout.
“Wish you all the best.”
A Cobham academy graduate, Mount made 195 appearances for the Blues, scoring 33 goals and laying on 37 assists.
He played a major role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph.
Mount is the latest Blues star to leave West London in what’s been an astonishing summer clearout.
Mateo Kovacic was sold to Manchester City for £30m, while N’Golo Kante left on a free transfer to join Al-Ittihad.
Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have also moved to the Saudi Pro League.
And Kai Havertz has joined London rivals Arsenal in a £65m deal.
The Blues have spent over £600m since Todd Boehly’s takeover, making recouping cash crucial.
Boehly and Co have already recruited RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku this summer.
While they are also being linked with Brighton star Moises Caicedo.
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