 "Football transfer roundup: Mason Mount joins Manchester United from Chelsea, Inigo Martinez joins Barcelona on free")
Chelsea’s Mason Mount agreed a five-year contract with Manchester United with the option of a further year on Wednesday. The 24-year-old graduated from Chelsea’s youth academy and made 129 Premier League appearances for the Stamford Bridge club, scoring 27 goals. “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.
The excitement is mounting.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2023
🕚#MUFC pic.twitter.com/OdNuN0sU7a
“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.” Mount won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, providing the defence-splitting pass that led to Kai Havertz’s winner in the final against Manchester City. United manager Ten Hag will hope Mount can provide energy and goals from both a central midfield berth and on the flanks at Old Trafford. Describing himself as “hugely ambitious”, Mount cannot wait to start the new chapter in his career.
On to new beginnings 🛣️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2023
“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag,” said Mount, whose fee could rise by a further £5 million in add-ons. “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.” ‘It’s right for me.’ After emerging as a key figure in Chelsea’s team under Frank Lampard and then Thomas Tuchel, Mount endured a dip in form last season. Hampered by injuries, he struggled during a turbulent campaign marred by the sackings of Tuchel and his successor Graham Potter. Chelsea were reported to have made several contract offers to Mount in a bid to keep the homegrown star at Stamford Bridge. Mount had signalled his move to United by posting an emotional farewell message to Chelsea fans on Instagram late on Tuesday. “I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years,” he said. “I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.” Mount has made 36 England appearances, helping the Three Lions reach the European Championship final in 2021 and featuring at last year’s World Cup in Qatar. Manchester United football director John Murtough, described Mount as an “extremely intelligent footballer” who would be a “perfect fit” at Old Trafford. “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,” he said. Inigo Martinez joins Barcelona Barcelona confirmed the arrival of defender Inigo Martinez on a free transfer on Wednesday at the end of his Athletic Bilbao contract. The signing of the 32-year-old centre-back, a Spain international, on a contract until 2025, continues the Catalans’ recent policy of hiring experienced players at zero transfer cost.
👋 @InigoMartinez has a message for you! pic.twitter.com/bt7k487oF4
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 5, 2023
Barcelona signed Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan in similar fashion last week and acquired Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie after their contracts expired last summer. “(Martinez) will sign for two seasons, until June 30 2025, and will have a 400 million euro ($435 million) release clause,” said the Spanish champions in a statement. Martinez, who came through at Real Sociedad and played for them for seven seasons in the top flight, moved to Athletic in January 2017. Athletic Bilbao paid his 32 million euro ($35 million) buy-out clause, which remains a club record fee. Martinez played 177 times for Athletic, scoring eight goals and winning the Spanish Super Cup in 2021, as well as reaching two Copa del Rey finals. With inputs from AP and AFP Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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