The Red Devils are reportedly going all out to try and sign the England international – but their money would be better spent elsewhere
Mason Mount was supposed to be Mr. Chelsea. Frank Lampard’s protégé joined the Blues’ academy ranks as a six-year-old way back in 2005, and graduated into the first team squad 12 years later with bags of potential and enthusiasm.
After successful loan spells at Vitesse and Derby County, he made his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge in 2019-20 under Lampard, and quickly became a key player. Mount’s versatility made him a useful asset for Chelsea, as he can shift between traditional No.8 and No.10 roles seamlessly and fill in out wide in a front three or as a holding midfielder.
The England international picked up back-to-back Player of the Season awards at Chelsea in 2020-21 and 2021-22 while becoming a Champions League winner, and was also very highly regarded by Lampard’s successor, Thomas Tuchel. “He is very mature and at the same time has this young player’s sparkle in his eyes,” the German coach said after his first few months at the club.
But that sparkle disappeared last season. Tuchel lost his job after a poor start to the campaign and Chelsea suffered an alarming decline under his replacement, Graham Potter, before Lampard was drafted back in as interim manager. Chelsea ended up finishing 12th in the Premier League, with Mount only managing to contribute three goals and two assists to their cause.
The 24-year-old was without question one of the worst performers in an over-inflated squad. And yet, he currently seems to be Manchester United’s primary transfer target.
It has been reported that the Red Devils have tabled three bids for Mount, the last of which came in at £55m ($70m), but Chelsea have rejected all of them. They are said to be holding out for at least £60m ($76m), despite the fact his contract is due to expire in 2024.
United could walk away from the deal entirely if the Blues are not willing to compromise, which may be for the best. Mount is most certainly not the kind of signing that will excite the Old Trafford faithful and make them optimistic about a potential title charge in 2023-24.
Source: Goal