Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Manchester United forward Melvine Malard in a deal that could be worth up to £850,000.
Negotiations have reached their final stages, with some sources placing the fee closer to £750,000. The move would represent a club-record sale for Manchester United Women.
Malard has one year remaining on her United contract and rejected the opportunity to agree fresh terms. Chelsea have tracked the 26-year-old for an extended period and are now expected to complete the transfer.
The Guardian reports that Malard is looking forward to being reunited with Sonia Bompastor, who previously worked with the forward at Lyon.
Malard adds proven WSL and European quality
Malard scored six goals from 18 Women’s Super League starts last season and added four more during United’s run to their first Champions League quarter-final.
She can play through the middle or from a wider position, giving Bompastor another flexible attacking option.
The France international’s arrival would continue a significant reshaping of Chelsea’s forward line following Sam Kerr’s move to Gotham FC and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s transfer to Lyon.
ReadChelsea recently covered how Aggie Beever-Jones’ new contract gives Chelsea a long-term attacking piece. Malard would add greater senior experience around the England international and summer signing Manaka Matsukubo.
Bompastor has known Malard since the forward’s youth career and encouraged her move from Réunion to Lyon. Their existing relationship should reduce the adjustment period at Chelsea.
The reported fee represents a significant investment, but Chelsea are buying a player with WSL experience, Champions League goals and a clear understanding of the manager’s demands.
The agreement has not yet been formally announced. Once completed, Malard will give Chelsea another proven forward as they prepare to compete across several competitions next season.
