Official: Chelsea sign £850,000 Man Utd forward Malard – Read Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea have officially signed Melvine Malard from Manchester United on a four-year contract.
The France international strengthens Sonia Bompastor’s attack after spending three seasons in Manchester. Reports place the transfer fee at around £850,000, which would represent a record sale for United Women.
Malard described Chelsea as part of her career plan and outlined her ambition to win trophies. The 26-year-old also expressed her excitement about playing regularly at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s official announcement confirmed the deal and Malard’s reunion with Bompastor. The pair first worked together at Lyon after Bompastor identified the forward at the age of 14.
Chelsea sign Melvine Malard to strengthen attack
Malard brings proven quality from the Women’s Super League and Champions League. She recorded 21 goal contributions across 57 WSL appearances during her time with United.
The forward has also scored 17 goals in 46 Champions League matches. She won the competition four times during her successful spell with Lyon.
Malard can operate through the middle or from a wider position. Therefore, Bompastor can use her alongside Aggie Beever-Jones, Alyssa Thompson and Manaka Matsukubo.
The move follows several changes across Chelsea’s attack. Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, Catarina Macario and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd have all left the club this summer.
ReadChelsea previously reported that Chelsea were closing in on a deal worth up to £850,000. Malard has now completed the move after rejecting the chance to extend her United contract.
Her relationship with Bompastor should help her settle quickly. Malard already understands the manager’s standards and arrives with experience of winning major trophies.
Chelsea have added another flexible forward before the new campaign. Malard will now aim to secure a regular role and help the Blues compete for domestic and European honours.
