Why did Liverpool abandon the Mason Mount transfer battle despite Jurgen Klopp's interest?
Mason Mount was on Liverpool's radar earlier this summer, but the Reds decided not to pursue the Chelsea midfielder, who is now on his way to Manchester United for a fee of £55 million.
Mason Mount is ready to join Manchester United from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £60 million, although he could have moved to Liverpool if things had gone differently.
United have finally reached an agreement with Chelsea and will pay £55 million, with a further £5 million coming in future add-ons. He will sign a five-year contract for £250,000 per week after passing a physical early next week.
That’s a significant outlay for a midfielder whose Chelsea contract was due to expire in June 2024. And it is the sort of outlay which put Liverpool off getting involved in the bidding for the 24-year-old.
Jurgen Klopp is a well-known admirer of Mount, who combines inventiveness with tenacity. Mount appears to be a strong fit for the Liverpool system, since he is capable of playing as a free-roaming No8 in front of a holding midfielder.
Despite a clear need for midfielders, despite the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and Arthur Melo, they did not join United in bidding for Mount.
According to the Telegraph, the decision to withdraw was made because they did not want to be drawn into lengthy discussions with Chelsea. Despite the Blues' aim to sell unwanted players by June 30 in order to include them in the accounting for the 2022/23 season, there was a sense that Todd Boehly and co wanted Liverpool to join in order to push up the price.
Chelsea turned down two proposals from Manchester United before agreeing to a sum of £55 million, which is beyond Liverpool's financial capabilities this season. Liverpool have only signed one player this summer, with Alexis MacAllister arriving from Brighton for around £45 million.
Despite the fact that it was a substantial amount, the Reds were glad to pay it due to the ease of the discussions with the Seagulls. They are now interested in RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Hungary international's £60 million release clause expires on Friday, and Liverpool are in talks with Leipzig to sign him. They intend to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible so that Szoboszlai can join the club for pre-season training.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0