Mason Mount, beloved Chelsea prodigy, has confirmed his highly anticipated transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester United, bringing to a close an 18-year association with the London club.
"Given the speculation over the last six months, this may not come as a surprise to you," Mount addressed Chelsea fans in a heartfelt video message, "but it doesn't make it any easier to tell you I've made the decision to leave Chelsea. It's what's right for me at this moment in my career."
The 24-year-old midfield maestro has ascended from Chelsea's famed academy to become a first-team mainstay, cementing his status as a fan-favorite along the way. Mount joined the Blues at the tender age of six and rose to prominence, winning the Youth Cup, two Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and playing a pivotal role in Chelsea's illustrious Champions League triumph in 2021.
The England international paid tribute to his mentors and teammates in his farewell message, "I want to say thank you to the academy Jim and Neil for being so influential from such a young age. The managers I've worked under, Frank, Thomas and Graham. The backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers, and most importantly, you, the fans, for sticking with me throughout."
Mount's departure is Manchester United's gain, as the Red Devils snapped him up in a £60m ($69m) deal. He is poised to sign a five-year contract with the option for an additional year. The transfer fee includes an initial payment of £55m and up to £5m based on performance-related add-ons.
Mount, who was instrumental in Chelsea's midfield with 195 appearances and 33 goals, is now expected to serve as a crucial element in United's squad, particularly as the club returns to Champions League competition next season under manager Erik ten Hag.
Sources confirm that Mount has successfully completed a medical check-up, and a formal announcement of his transfer to Manchester United is anticipated within the next 24 hours. As this thrilling chapter opens, United continues its pursuit of other potential signings, with talks ongoing with Atalanta over striker Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt's Kolo Muani.
Meanwhile, amid speculations over a new goalkeeper, United's gaze is cast upon Inter Milan's Andre Onana, although he might prove too expensive. In parallel, talks of a new deal continue with current custodian David de Gea, whose contract has officially expired.
