Melvine Malard joins Chelsea in £750,000 deal from Manchester United
Chelsea have finalised the acquisition of forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United in a deal valued at £750,000. The France international has committed to a four-year deal with the Blues, marking a reunion with head coach Sonia Bompastor.
Malard and Bompastor previously collaborated at OL Lyonnes, where they secured a Champions League title in 2022. Malard expressed her enthusiasm for joining Chelsea, citing the club’s ambition and her long-standing plan to play for them. She highlighted the opportunity to work again with Bompastor, who she has known since the age of 14.
Malard’s career and objectives
During her tenure at Manchester United last season, Malard netted six goals in the WSL and four goals in the Champions League. She had one year remaining on her contract with United. Interest in Malard also came from two clubs in the United States and other European teams, with two NWSL clubs reportedly making offers for the forward.
Malard’s move to England to join Manchester United occurred in the summer of 2023, initially on loan before becoming a permanent transfer a year later. She contributed to 21 goals in 57 appearances during her three years in the North-West. Malard hopes to elevate her performance under Bompastor’s guidance, noting that Bompastor understands her strengths and areas for improvement.
Malard’s football journey began on the island of Reunion. She was discovered by Bompastor at Clairefontaine during a regional competition, leading to her move to Lyon’s Academy. Malard had already won the Champions League three times before Bompastor became Lyon’s head coach in 2021, though she noted her role was smaller in those earlier victories.
However, in the 2022 Champions League final in Turin, Malard was part of the starting lineup when Lyon defeated Barcelona 3-1. She credits Bompastor as a significant influence on her career and family, stating that without Bompastor’s initial call to her mother, she would not be where she is today.
Ambitions at Chelsea
Malard stated her primary objective at Chelsea is to improve daily and win trophies, aligning with the club’s consistent ambition. She also looks forward to regularly playing at Stamford Bridge, appreciating the atmosphere and the proximity of the pitch to the fans.
The forward expressed confidence that working with Bompastor again will help her reach the next level, as Bompastor knows her well. Malard is determined to become a top striker and contribute to Chelsea’s success, particularly in winning trophies.
While Chelsea has achieved significant success in the Women’s Super League, the Champions League title has remained elusive. Malard views winning the Champions League as one of her key objectives, acknowledging it is a trophy the club highly desires. She hopes to achieve this during her time at Chelsea, noting the team’s blend of experienced, young, and focused players.
Malard’s personality, described as infectious and positive, was evident during her unveiling at Stamford Bridge, where she was accompanied by her wife, sister, and two nieces. She emphasised her pride in wearing the Chelsea shirt and her commitment to giving her all for the team, assuring fans of her dedication to winning trophies.
The 26-year-old striker signed a four-year contract with the Blues.
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Source: skysports.com
