Chelsea has finalized the acquisition of forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United for a fee of £750,000. The France international has committed to a four-year contract with the club, marking a significant addition to Chelsea's squad.

Reunion with Sonia Bompastor

Malard reunites with Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor, with whom she previously collaborated at OL Lyon, where they celebrated a Champions League victory in 2022. Last season, Malard made a notable impact at United, netting six goals in the Women's Super League (WSL) and four in the Champions League. With only one year remaining on her contract at United, the move comes as both a strategic and timely decision for the player.

Ambitions at Chelsea

Expressing her enthusiasm for the transfer, Malard stated, "I'm so happy because I have a plan for my life and my career, and Chelsea were a part of that plan." She acknowledged Chelsea as a prestigious club and expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete alongside talented players. Malard also highlighted her long-standing relationship with Bompastor, saying, "I have known Sonia since I was 14 years old, so it is great to work with her again." Her aspirations include continuous improvement and a shared goal of winning trophies with Chelsea.

Looking ahead, Malard is eager to play at Stamford Bridge regularly, noting the incredible atmosphere and the close connection to the fans. With her ambitions aligned with those of Chelsea, the forward is set to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.