Melvine Malard is set to move from Manchester United to Chelsea in a permanent transfer worth approximately €1 million (around £850,000), as confirmed by the AFP on Wednesday. The move follows reports from The Guardian earlier in the week, signalling a swift agreement between the two Women’s Super League clubs.
Malard initially joined Manchester United on a season-long loan in 2023, before the move was made permanent by the Red Devils in 2024. The French international has scored four goals for France during their qualification campaign for the 2027 World Cup, demonstrating her continued importance to the national team. She has earned 41 caps for France, scoring 14 goals.
The 24-year-old will reunite with several familiar faces at Chelsea, including compatriot Sandy Baltimore and former Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor. Bompastor joined Chelsea in the off-season, and the opportunity to play under her again is believed to have been a significant factor in Malard’s decision. Baltimore has been a key player for Chelsea since her arrival, adding another French presence to the London club.
Manchester United signed Malard from Olympique Lyonnais, where she was a promising talent in their academy system. While she demonstrated flashes of brilliance during her time in Manchester, she wasn't always a consistent starter, and the move to Chelsea offers her a chance to secure more regular first-team football. This transfer allows Chelsea to bolster their attacking options ahead of a challenging season, while Manchester United will look to reinvest the fee received.
Chelsea finished second in the WSL last season, and will be looking to challenge for the title again this year. The addition of Malard, alongside Bompastor’s appointment, signals Chelsea’s ambition to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level.
