Chelsea owner taking a backseat as contract negotiations for star man hits roadblock

Todd Boehly steps down from Mason Mount contract negotiations at Chelsea

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly had assumed control of the Mason Mount contract dispute but now has decided to step away after the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. Less than 18 months remain on Mount’s contract (Transfermarkt), and the midfielder has already been linked to several Premier League teams.

According to the Telegraph (Subscription required) (h/t Express), after withdrawing from negotiations, Boehly gave the responsibility for contract discussions to co-sporting director Paul Winstanley.

Winstanley was hired prior to the World Cup and is currently in charge of managing the contract issue for England International. The onus is now on him to get the deal over the line.

The two teams most frequently linked with Mount during the summer transfer window are Liverpool and Manchester United. The 24-year-old‘s contract discussion started before Boehly became the team’s new owner, and the midfielder wants to be paid on par with the club’s new players.

Boehly is adamant about increasing the player’s pay since the midfielder wants to be among the top earners on the team. If Chelsea are not able to renew the 24-year-old’s deal, they may contemplate selling him. Boehly, though, is unwilling to let Mount leave for free since he did not like Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger leaving for free.

It would be unwise to enhance his pay because Mount’s season has been hampered by inconsistent performances, but if he put in a strong display this season, Boehly could consider giving him a raise. Moreover, it appears that Mount is losing his position in the starting eleven.

Money is obviously important, but Mount should prioritise playing rather than negotiating a pay raise since his performance will certainly be rewarded.

More Chelsea News:

• Inter Milan CEO confirms Romelu Lukaku will return to Chelsea in the summer
• Florent Malouda urges Chelsea to re-hire Jose Mourinho for a third stint at Stamford Bridge
• Neymar has ‘no intention’ of leaving PSG amidst Chelsea interest

If the club decides to part with him, then we should not release him for free since we can make a significant profit from his move, which could be next season given he still has one year left on his contract.