Melvine Malard is set to move from Manchester United to Chelsea for a fee of approximately €1 million (£850,000), according to reports from the Guardian and confirmation from AFP. The French forward has been with Manchester United for three years, initially joining on loan in 2023 before making the move permanent in 2024 from Olympique Lyonnais. The transfer sees Malard return to a familiar environment, linking up with both a former manager and teammate.
Malard initially joined Manchester United on a season-long loan from Lyon, a move that was then formalized into a permanent deal the following year. During her time at the club, she became a regular contributor, demonstrating her attacking prowess and versatility. She has earned 41 caps for the French national team, scoring 14 goals, and recently contributed four goals during France’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
At Chelsea, Malard will reunite with Sonia Bompastor, who previously managed her at Lyon. Bompastor took charge of Chelsea in April 2024, and the acquisition of Malard is likely to be seen as a significant early move in her tenure. She will also play alongside compatriot Sandy Baltimore, further strengthening the French contingent within the Chelsea squad.
Chelsea finished second in the Women’s Super League last season, trailing Manchester City by two points. The addition of Malard is expected to bolster their attacking options as they aim to challenge for the title once again. For Manchester United, the departure of Malard leaves a gap in their forward line, but they will likely seek to reinvest the transfer fee in strengthening other areas of their squad. This move provides Malard with a new challenge in a competitive league and a chance to further develop her game under a familiar and respected manager.
