Liverpool could take advantage as Chelsea prepare a ‘reduced’ contract offer to Mason Mount. The midfielder is a summer target.
Chelsea have made serious waves this season, spending on unprecedented levels as they attempt to rebuild the club. Their incredible transfer windows have the Blues sitting as high as 10th in the Premier League and with work to do this summer.
So how are they achieving this? David Ornstein explained on the Athletic’s Football podcast, with contracts at the forefront here.
Chelsea aren’t paying the players ludicrous wages and, in fact, have clauses in place to make things even easier. According to Ornstein, many contracts depend on Champions League qualification.
“Those who have signed new deals, such as Reece James, potentially Mason Mount if it comes about, even Raheem Sterling, who is on a higher salary from right at the beginning of the new owners’ reign,” he explained.
“[They have] clauses that see their salaries significantly reduced if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.”
Liverpool and Mason Mount
It’s an interesting one for Liverpool. Mount is now well into the final 18 months of his contract and Chelsea are struggling to secure a new one.
This clause perhaps explains why. After all, it seems highly unlikely that they qualify for the Champions League this season. They’re 10 points back, like Liverpool, but without a game in hand over fourth-placed Manchester United.
Should Mount fail to sign a new contract, the Guardian report that Liverpool will bid. Chelsea will have little choice but to cash-in, after all, rather than allow the homegrown talent to depart for free.
Chelsea’s failure this season, assuming they’re not about to embark on a sensational winning run, likely sees Mount reject a contract that ‘significantly reduces’ his salary immediately. Liverpool, then, could well strike gold here.