New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino did not want Mason Mount to leave Stamford this summer.
The Argentine was said to be desperate to keep Mount at Chelsea but the ‘damage’ that led to the midfielder agreeing to join Manchester United had already been done before his appointment.
The 24-year-old was at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground on Monday to complete a medical with United before a £55m move to Old Trafford.
Chelsea rejected three offers from United before accepting an offer that could rise to as much as £60m.
It’s a good fee for a player that has 12 months left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and had intimated he would leave for free in 2024, rather than signing an extension if he was denied a move elsewhere.
Chelsea fans hoped Pochettino’s appointment at the club would help to persuade Mount to stay.
Mount appeared a perfect fit for the high-energy football that Pochettino is associated with, and the Argentine is said to be a huge admirer of the England international.
Fabrizio Romano says Pochettino was desperate to keep Mount at the club and hoped he would change his mind on leaving once he made it clear that he was part of his plans.
But the ‘damage’ had already been done by Chelsea’s refusal to hand Mount a significant wage increase during contract negotiations.
Mount was aggrieved that players around him – as well as a host of new signings – were instantly handed higher salaries.
The midfielder is a two-time Chelsea player of the year, and emerged from the club’s academy.
Mount was convinced to join United over the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal by Ten Hag’s appreciation of his game.
The midfielder was said to be taken aback by the Dutchman’s in-depth knowledge of his ability.
