Chelsea break record to land French star Malard from Man United

The £850,000 fee makes Melvine Malard Manchester United’s most expensive sale and a club‑record transfer for the Red Devils. The 26‑year‑old French forward has signed a deal until 2027 with Chelsea, moving across the Women’s Super League.

Malard arrived at United on an initial loan ahead of the 2023/24 WSL season. The French international quickly became a key player, scoring five goals and helping the team lift the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in her first campaign.

In total she recorded 16 goals for United, with ten coming across all competitions in her most prolific season. Her European impact was decisive, providing a goal and two assists in the round‑of‑16 first‑leg against Atletico Madrid as United reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter‑finals.

United formalised her stay in July 2024 with a contract running to 2027, but with one year left on the deal Malard opted for a new challenge. The club offered an extension but agreed to sell, recouping the reported £850,000 fee.

Chelsea’s recruitment follows the departures of Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten, creating a clear need for attacking reinforcements. The signing underlines the Blues’ ambition to reclaim the league title after Manchester City’s superiority last season and to bolster the squad alongside Aggie Beever‑Jones.

Malard also reunites with former OL Lyonnes coach Sonia Bompastor, under whom she won multiple Division 1 Féminine titles and the 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League by beating Barcelona. Their past partnership promises to bring a winning pedigree back to west London.

The move comes as the women’s transfer market heats up ahead of the Women’s World Cup and the impending retirement of Eugenie Le Sommer, highlighting clubs’ willingness to invest significant sums to secure top talent.