---
title: "Mamadou Sarr arrives for Real Sociedad medical ahead of Chelsea loan"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/27/mamadou-sarr-arrives-for-real-sociedad-medical-ahead-of-chelsea-loan/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Chelsea Transfer News"
published: "2026-08-27T13:27:01Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T18:10:15Z"
---

# Mamadou Sarr arrives for Real Sociedad medical ahead of Chelsea loan

**Mamadou Sarr has arrived in Spain ahead of completing a season-long loan move from Chelsea to Real Sociedad, with no option to buy included in the agreement.**

The 20-year-old is set to spend the 2026/27 campaign in La Liga after his immediate Chelsea future changed direction again during the final days of the transfer window.

L’Équipe reports that Sarr is undergoing medical checks before signing for [Real Sociedad](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/15/chelsea-player-ratings-vs-real-sociedad-joao-pedro-superb-as-rogers-makes-instant-impact/) on a one-year loan. The agreement does not contain a permanent purchase option.

> 🚨🔵⚪️ Real Sociedad reach verbal agreement to sign Mamadou Sarr on loan from Chelsea, here we go!\
> \
> Clubs to prepare paperwork after the game but Sarr not involved tonight as Real wait for him to join on loan.\
> \
> All set, as [@BeBarreto](https://x.com/BeBarreto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Santi\_J\_FM](https://x.com/Santi_J_FM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) report. [pic.twitter.com/IniJSbeaJr](https://t.co/IniJSbeaJr)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2091980571119325349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Chelsea change Mamadou Sarr plan again

The move represents another significant shift in Chelsea’s thinking over Sarr.

[ReadChelsea reported last week that Chelsea were prepared to sell Sarr permanently](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/20/chelsea-make-ruthless-sarr-call-14-months-into-eight-year-deal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) after initially considering another loan for the Senegal international.

Sacha Tavolieri reported at the time that the Blues had placed the defender on the market and wanted to receive a transfer fee.

Chelsea have now returned to the temporary route.

Sarr has travelled to San Sebastián, with AS reporting that he arrived alongside Real Sociedad sporting director Erik Bretos before his medical. The defender said he was “very happy” as he prepared to complete the move.

That decision allows Chelsea to retain control of a player who remains under contract until 2033 while giving him the opportunity to play regularly in one of Europe’s major leagues.

There is **no option to buy**, ensuring Sociedad cannot make the transfer permanent without entering fresh negotiations with Chelsea.

## Sarr exit continues Chelsea defensive clear-out

Sarr’s departure would further reduce [Xabi Alonso](https://readchelsea.com/tag/xabi-alonso/)‘s crowded group of centre-backs.

Axel Disasi has already completed his season-long loan to [Crystal Palace](https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/08/26/crystal-palace-sign-axel-disasi-loan-chelsea/), which [Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/26/chelsea-confirm-axel-disasi-crystal-palace-loan-after-exit-talks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Chelsea entered August with considerably more central defenders than Alonso was expected to retain, and [ReadChelsea previously examined the major defensive clear-out facing the new head coach](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/14/xabi-alonso-set-to-cut-chelseas-10-man-centre-back-group-in-half/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Sarr joined Chelsea from Strasbourg in 2025 before initially returning to the French club on loan.

His next stage will now come in Spain.

Barring an issue with the final medical and paperwork, Real Sociedad are expected to complete Sarr’s loan before the transfer window closes.