Why Manchester United have allowed Mateo Mejia to leave for free

Manchester United have allowed Mateo Mejia to join Sevilla on a free transfer in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old was approaching the end of his contract this summer and had been free to negotiate with overseas clubs since the beginning of January.

United have effectively allowed Mejia to leave the club for free immediately, though they have agreed to a financial package with Sevilla that could benefit them greatly in the long run.

The Manchester Evening News understands that while there is no fixed fee on the deal, the two clubs have agreed to a contingent fee, meaning United will receive money based on how successful he is in Spain.

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As well as the variable transfer fee, it is understood that United have included a 'significant' sell-on clause of 25% that would see them earn a quarter of any future sale.

Mejia joined the club in the summer of 2019 from Real Zaragoza and made 12 appearances for the Under-21s this season, contributing three goals and five assists. He only signed a contract extension with United last summer.

United are aiming to become "smarter" in terms of selling academy graduates having allowed Anthony Elanga, Zidane Iqbal, Matej Kovar, Teden Mengi, Axel Tuanzebe, Ethan Laird, Charlie Savage, Noam Emeran, and Marc Jurado to leave the club last summer.

Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez have both left on loans already in this window, with the option of a permanent transfer at the end of it. Once again, United have included hefty sell-on clauses in those deals, as well as the safety net of a future buy-back clause.