Man United signs Mason Mount from Chelsea for $69 million to kick off summer spending spree #Man #United #signs #Mason #Mount #Chelsea #million #kick #summer #spending #spree

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — After 18 years at Chelsea, Mason Mount became Manchester United’s first signing of the off-season on Wednesday in a move worth 55 million pounds ($69 million).

The England international has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

The move comes a week after United reached agreement with Chelsea, following protracted negotiations since the end of the season.

PSG's head coach Christophe Galtier talks to PSG's Kylian Mbappe during the League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and AC Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Paris Saint-Germain has fired coach Christophe Galtier after a disappointing season. Luis Enrique is expected to be announced as Galtier’s replacement later Wednesday.

Canada's Jayden Nelson, left, celebrates with Jonathan Osorio, center, after scoring a goal against Cuba during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Canada advanced to a quarterfinal matchup against the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, beating Cuba 4-2.

Coach Fernando Diniz of Brazil's Fluminense gives instructions to his players during a Copa Libertadores Group D soccer match against Peru's Sporting Cristal at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Fernando Diniz has been hired as head coach of Brazil’s national team on a 12-month contract that will be due to expire when Carlo Ancelotti’s deal with Real Madrid ends.

FILE -Liverpool's Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League Group A soccer match between Rangers and Liverpool at Ibrox stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. Roberto Firmino signed for Al-Ahli on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 to become the latest star to head to Saudi Arabia's lucrative Pro League. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

Roberto Firmino has signed for Al-Ahli to become the latest star to head to Saudi Arabia’s lucrative Pro League.

“It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career,” Mount said. “Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.”

United will have to pay a further 5 million pounds ($6.3 million) based on Mount meeting certain targets relating to appearances and success.

Mount, 24, was one of United manager Erik ten Hag’s leading targets ahead of the Dutchman’s second season in charge at Old Trafford. He also wants to sign a top class striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left in November.

Ten Hag is looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season, as well as compete in the Champions League.

“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag,” Mount said. “Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here. I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”

Mount was part of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning team of 2021 and has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders after coming through the club’s academy. He also won the European Super Cup and Club World Cup with his former club.

He made 195 appearances for Chelsea and scored 33 goals. In his time at the club he also established himself as a regular for England.

“Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad,” United football director John Murtough said. “We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.

“Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness.”

Mount posted an emotional video message to Chelsea fans on Tuesday to confirm he was leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.

“Given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea,” he said on Instagram. “I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision but it is what’s right for me at this moment in my career.”

Mount is the latest player to leave Chelsea as part of a summer clear out by the London club.

N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are other high profile players to leave, while Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang are expected to follow.

The departures come after Chelsea spent around $630 million last season, but failed to qualify for Europe as it suffered its worst ever Premier League campaign.