Manchester United forward Melvine Malard set for Chelsea move
Malard’s move to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea is reportedly close to finalising a deal to sign forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United. The transfer fee for the 26-year-old France international is understood to be around £850,000, though some reports suggest it could be closer to £750,000. This move would see Malard reunite with manager Sonia Bompastor at Stamford Bridge.
Malard is expected to undergo a medical examination before her transfer to Chelsea is completed. Her arrival would mark Chelsea’s third signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of Katie McCabe and Manaka Matsukubo. The addition of Malard is considered an important reinforcement for Bompastor’s attacking options, especially after Sam Kerr departed to join American club Gotham FC.
Manchester United had expressed a desire to retain Malard and offered her a new contract. However, the forward communicated her wish to leave the club. United subsequently agreed to a transfer fee with Chelsea, opting to avoid the risk of losing a high-value player on a free transfer next summer, as Malard has one year remaining on her current deal.
Impact on Manchester United and Chelsea
Malard was a significant attacking force for Manchester United last season, contributing to 19 goal involvements across all competitions. This made her statistically the team’s most productive attacker. Her departure represents a notable change for United’s squad dynamics.
The potential sale of Malard to Chelsea is also being discussed in the context of other significant transfers for Manchester United. The club recently announced the arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a fee of £50 million, comprising a £48 million transfer fee and £2 million in add-ons. This was swiftly followed by the signing of Youri Tielemans, indicating a focus on rebuilding the midfield.
Reports suggest that United is looking to strengthen other areas of their squad this summer, with plans to sign another midfielder, a left-winger, and a striker. This comes as Michael Carrick’s side prepares to compete in the Champions League once again.
The transfer of Malard to Chelsea would also follow another significant move between the two clubs from last summer, when Alejandro Garnacho left Old Trafford to join Chelsea for a club-record signing of £40 million, becoming the most expensive sale of a United academy graduate. The current deal for Malard, while for the women’s team, is also being highlighted as a potentially record-breaking sale for Manchester United’s women’s side.
Reuniting with former manager
Malard’s reunion with Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea is a notable aspect of this transfer. The two previously worked together during Malard’s time at Lyon, the club from which Manchester United signed her in 2023. This prior working relationship could facilitate Malard’s integration into the Chelsea squad and Bompastor’s tactical system.
The discussions regarding Malard’s transfer are understood to be in their final stages. The funds generated from this transfer are expected to be reinvested into Manchester United’s club operations. Malard’s desire for a new challenge ultimately led to United agreeing to the transfer rather than risking her departure for free next summer.
The transfer fee for Malard is understood to be between £750,000 and £850,000.
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Source: bbc.com
