Chelsea has officially secured French striker Melvine Malard from Manchester United, with the transfer fee estimated at £850,000. This move sees the 26-year-old reunite with her former coach, Sonia Bompastor, with whom she previously worked during their tenure at Lyon.
Bompastor, who oversaw Malard’s development in the Lyon academy and provided her with senior team opportunities, was instrumental in the signing. Malard expressed her enthusiasm regarding the transfer, noting that joining a club of Chelsea’s stature is a key component of her long-term career aspirations. She looks forward to reconnecting with Bompastor, having known the manager since age 14, and aims to contribute to the team’s trophy-winning ambitions.
Malard, who previously joined Manchester United in 2023 and contributed to their Women’s FA Cup success, was their most effective attacker last season with 19 goal involvements. Despite United’s efforts to extend her contract, Malard communicated her desire to depart earlier this summer, prompting the club to facilitate a transfer rather than risk losing her on a free agent deal in 2026. This move serves as a significant reinforcement for Chelsea’s forward line following the departure of Sam Kerr to Gotham FC.
The player arrives with an impressive pedigree, including four Champions League titles and 14 goals in 41 international caps for France. She becomes Chelsea’s third recruit this summer, joining Katie McCabe and Manaka Matsukubo.
