Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is being linked with a move to Liverpool this summer – and former Reds star Philippe Coutinho could inadvertently inspire his final transfer decision.
Mount’s current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer of 2024, and despite talks between the two parties, the player is yet to commit to fresh terms.
The Evening Standard reported in April that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had re-opened talks with the 24-year-old, who graduated through the Blues academy.
One of the issues surrounding the contract impasse is reported to be the club’s reluctance to pay Mount the same wage as Reece James, who agreed to sign a new deal last year. The proposed length and the contract clauses involved are also said to have caused problems.
If Mount does decide to end his 18-year association with the Blues this summer, Liverpool are one of the contenders to sign him, along with Bayern Munich.
However, Mount could essentially replicate a decision made by of Pochettino’s former players this summer.
Coutinho could inspire Mount move
The same source also said that Pochettino was a key driver behind the deal, having been recently appointed as Saints boss, due to managing the Brazilian on loan at Espanyol in the previous season.
And former Southampton chief executive Nicola Cortese told talkSPORT’s Jim White that he had agreed a fee with Inter to sign Coutinho, only for Liverpool to come in with a late offer.
The attacking midfielder chose the Reds, and the prospect of regular European football, over Southampton.
Mount faces a similar dilemma this time around – and it ironically could involve Pochettino. If the Argentinian does join Chelsea, he has the managerial tools to succeed, but will need to deal with a bloated squad and a potentially lengthy bedding-in period in order to find his best XI.
Chelsea will also not play in Europe next season, and could face an uphill climb to qualify for the 2024/25 competitions.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are now all but guaranteed at least Europa League football next season. Mount could be part of a lower-scale Reds rebuild that could see them potentially challenge for the Premier League title, instead of perhaps a lesser outlook for the campaign at Stamford Bridge.
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