Manchester United’s Europa League journey ended in heartbreak, and it’s costing them more than just a trophyless season.
After falling to Tottenham in the final held in Bilbao, United walked away with around £5.5 million in prize money. But they won’t be keeping all of it. Thanks to a clause in Mason Mount’s transfer deal, £3.5 million of that payday is heading straight to Chelsea.
Here’s why: When United signed Mount last summer for an initial £55 million, they agreed to performance-based add-ons. One of those add-ons? A payout if Mount appeared in a European final. He did, and now Chelsea cashes in.
It’s a frustrating twist for United fans. The team not only missed out on silverware but also failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League. And now, nearly two-thirds of their Europa League earnings are being handed to a rival club.
Mount’s move from Stamford Bridge wasn’t a quick one. Negotiations dragged on, with Chelsea initially asking for up to £70 million. They settled on a package worth around £60 million, with several performance-based clauses built in.
There’s more. Mount’s contract reportedly includes another clause that could see Chelsea pocket an extra £1 million if United win the Premier League, as long as Mount features in at least 70% of those matches. It’s a clever bit of business from Chelsea, who are continuing to benefit from a player no longer in their squad.
For United, this stings. The club’s on-field issues have been matched by off-field challenges, and now they’re facing a tough summer. Manager Ruben Amorim has a rebuild on his hands, and financial flexibility just got a little tighter.
As for Chelsea, this payout is a small win in a season of transition, and this might just sound like a United loss is Chelsea’s gain.
By Yockshard Enyendi
