Mason Mount’s departure from Chelsea FC had been brewing since the turn of the year. And now, the midfielder has officially joined Premier League rivals Manchester United for a hefty fee. To secure a deal for the 24-year-old, United boss Erik ten Hag is said to have broken the so-called ‘Cristiano Ronaldo Rule’.
Mount, who leaves Stamford Bridge after joining as a 6-year-old, has already built up quite the CV. Despite his relatively young age, the midfielder has garnered plenty of top-flight experience. Besides being a regular for the England National side, Mount is also familiar with Champions League Soccer. He famously won the 2020/21 edition of the competition with the Blues and assisted the winning goal.
🔴 Red is the colour. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/bPznbIueoB
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2023
Given his talents and commendable experience, Manchester United were keen on bringing the player to Old Trafford. A hard-working No. 8, Mount can offer the creativity and drive that Erik ten Hag demands. As such, it comes as no surprise that the Dutchman was pushing for the transfer personally.
As per reports, the 53-year-old played a major role during negotiations. He reportedly allowed United to offer the player a bumper contract, breaking the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo rule’ he devised last season. The rule in question was created to address the wage disparity embedded within the Red Devils. It got its name from Cristiano Ronaldo, who was shipped off to Al-Nassr on account of his sizable salary.
🚨💰Mason Mount is set to be paid more than £200,000 per week, potentially rising to at least £250,000 per week with bonuses, in the same ballpark as the deal Chelsea had originally offered, as well as a rival proposal put forward by Liverpool @lauriewhitwell
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) July 5, 2023
United has reportedly broken the rule by handing Mount a contract worth $250,000 per week. His weekly wages could rise up to $320,000 after factoring in various bonuses. Speaking of Cristiano Ronaldo, the player has also been assigned the United legend’s iconic No.7 shirt.
How much did Manchester United pay for Mason Mount?
The Premier League heavyweights were tied in negotiations with Chelsea for weeks. Despite Mount’s contract expiring next season, the club was keen on signing him this year itself. Before making an official bid, United agreed personal terms with England International. Following this, they launched a bid estimated to be within the $60 million range.
🚨 Mason’s father, Tony Mount, had a phone conversation with Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali to smooth the path to an agreement with Manchester United.
There had been friction between the groups over the deterioration of Mount’s relationship with Chelsea’s… pic.twitter.com/jO0zUGxTHJ
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) July 5, 2023
Their approach was declined immediately, with Chelsea digging their heels and demanding $85 million including add-ons instead. The two parties appeared to have reached an impasse, until the player’s father, Tony Mount, intervened to smooth things over.
Eventually, an agreement was made for a transfer fee worth $69 million. Mason Mount has now put pen to paper on a 5-year deal with Manchester United.