Manchester United have completed the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea for an initial Ksh9.8 billion.

The overall fee for England international midfielder Mount could rise to 10.7 billion depending on success and appearances over several seasons.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford that runs until the summer of 2028 and has the option to be extended by a further year.

Mount becomes United’s first summer signing and the transfer brings his 18-year association with Chelsea, during which he won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, to an end.

Iconic jersey

Mount, who will wear United’s iconic No 7 shirt, said: “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.

“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.

“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag. 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.”

United boss Erik ten Hag first bumped into Mount when he was Ajax head coach. On loan at Vitesse Arnhem, the-then 18-year-old’s free-kick led to his side’s third goal as they beat Ajax 3-2 in March 2018.

Ten Hag, then in charge of just his eighth game at Ajax, reportedly tried to sign Mount for the Dutch club on loan from Chelsea the following season. Fourteen goals and 10 assists in his first full campaign of senior football, largely from central midfield, had caught Ten Hag’s attention.