Melvine Malard joins Chelsea from Manchester United, hungry for trophies
Quick summary
French forward Melvine Malard has completed a transfer from Manchester United to Chelsea, stating she joined the club to win major trophies.
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Attributed to original sourceUnited get club record fee of about £850,000 for forward
Malard follows McCabe and Matsukubo into Chelsea
Chelsea have announced the signing of the France forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United on a four-year contract. The Guardian revealed last week that a deal was close for the the 26-year-old, who has left United after three seasons for about £850,000.
Malard had one year on her contract and United were keen to keep the forward. However, once it became clear Malard wanted a move United decided to sell, rather than lose a high-value highly rated player on a free next summer.
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What happened
Melvine Malard, who previously played for Lyon and Manchester United, has signed with Chelsea Women ahead of the new WSL season. The French international forward expressed her desire to compete for silverware, citing Chelsea's pedigree as a key factor in her decision. Malard had been one of Manchester United's most productive attackers but the club finished outside the top WSL places last season. Chelsea, who recently won the Champions League, are reinforcing their squad to maintain domestic and European dominance.
Chance analysis
This is a significant WSL transfer that strengthens Chelsea's already formidable attack while weakening a direct title rival. Malard brings Champions League experience from Lyon and proven WSL goal-scoring output, giving Chelsea greater depth in their forward line. For Manchester United, losing their primary attacking outlet is a blow to their aspirations of breaking into the WSL's top tier. The move further widens the gap between Chelsea and the chasing pack, reinforcing their status as favourites for the WSL title and strong contenders for the Champions League again.
Chelsea's attacking depth improves significantly ahead of the new season, while Manchester United's goal-scoring threat is materially reduced by Malard's departure.
Chelsea's attack is reinforced with a proven WSL scorer, increasing their favouritism for the WSL title and Champions League; Manchester United lose their primary offensive threat, lowering their ceiling.