Mason Mount is on the verge of completing a move from Chelsea to Manchester United in a deal that could potentially cost £60 million.
However, if circumstances had been different, he might have ended up at Liverpool.
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Manchester United has finally reached an agreement with Chelsea, with a transfer fee of £55 million plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.
Mount is expected to undergo a medical examination early next week and subsequently sign a five-year contract worth £250,000 per week.
The substantial investment in Mount, whose Chelsea contract was initially set to expire in June 2024, deterred Liverpool from participating in the bidding for the 24-year-old midfielder.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, holds a high regard for Mount’s abilities, appreciating his combination of creativity and strong work ethic.
Mount’s style of play as a versatile No. 8 midfielder who can freely operate in front of a holding midfielder would have complemented Liverpool’s system.
Despite a clear need for midfield reinforcements following the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and Arthur Melo, Liverpool did not compete with Manchester United for Mount’s signature.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool’s decision to withdraw from the pursuit of Mount stemmed from their desire to avoid protracted negotiations with Chelsea.
Chelsea aimed to offload unwanted players before June 30 to include them in the accounts for the 2022/23 season.
However, there was a perception that Todd Boehly and his associates were eager for Liverpool to join the bidding in order to drive up the transfer fee.
Chelsea turned down two bids from Manchester United before ultimately agreeing on a £55 million fee, which surpasses Liverpool’s financial capabilities for this season.
Liverpool has thus far signed one player during the summer transfer window, securing the services of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for a fee estimated to be around £45 million.
Despite the significant financial outlay, Liverpool was willing to pay for Mac Allister due to the straightforward negotiations with Brighton.
However, Liverpool has now shifted its attention to pursuing RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Hungarian footballer Szoboszai, has a £60 million release clause that expires on Friday, and Liverpool is currently engaged in negotiations with Leipzig to secure his signing.
Liverpool aims to conclude the discussions as quickly as possible so that Szoboszlai can join the squad for pre-season preparations.
Liverpool’s approach to transfers is partly influenced by the financial limitations imposed by Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners.
This stance was made evident by Jurgen Klopp in April when he was questioned about Jude Bellingham.
“I never understood why we constantly talk about things we theoretically cannot have,” Klopp remarked.
“We cannot have six players in the summer for £100 million [each], for example. That’s clear.”
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He further emphasized the importance of assessing available funds and working within those limitations, highlighting the practical aspect of managing the club’s finances.
“We are not children. You ask a five-year-old what they want for Christmas and they tell you, ‘I want a Ferrari.’ You wouldn’t say ‘That’s a good idea.’ You would say, ‘No, it’s too expensive and you cannot drive it.’ And that’s how it is.”
