“I cannot believe Chelsea are letting him go” Chelsea slammed for making first mistake of the Mauricio Pochettino era
By allowing Mason Mount to sign with Manchester United, Paul Merson worries that Chelsea have already committed the first “mind-blowing” error of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign.
“I cannot believe Chelsea are letting Mason Mount go,” he said to Sky Sports.
“Antonio Rudiger, who was superb and one of the finest defenders at the club, showed it last season. He requested more money, but they refused to give it to him. Later, they purchased Kalidou Koulibaly for £33 million over a four-year period, which is more than they would have paid Rudiger.
“Now Mount is being used in the scheme. They are only evaluating him based on one season even though he is one of their own and hasn’t had a great season. He was Chelsea’s finest player the previous year. He appeared among the first names on England’s roster. They are now releasing him. It’s astounding.
“They’ll bring in someone who, given their international experience, will likely need an additional year to adjust to the league.
“You’re also allowing a very talented footballer to join Liverpool or Manchester United, two teams Chelsea is competing with to finish in the top four the next season. It is impossible to write.
“How can you allow him to enter a club where he might seriously torment you? If they land him, United won’t believe their good fortune.