Chelsea has confirmed a fourth signing of the summer window after Malang Sarr joined from French side OGC Nice on a free transfer. He joins Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and more recently, Ben Chilwell as new arrivals in West London. However, the French U-21 centre-back will spend the first of his five-year deal on loan as confirmed by Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
“The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss. He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea. We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.”
Sarr becomes Chelsea’s second defensive addition in two days and a third could be on the way tomorrow as Thiago Silva is set to join the club. Kai Havertz could also be confirmed in what has been one of the best weeks in the club’s transfer history.
Chelsea’s new boy left Ligue 1 side Nice following the end of his contract there coupled with the rejection of a new one and has now signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge. While Malang Sarr mainly plays at centre-back, he could also fill in at left-back and that versatility adds to the reason why he was wanted by Chelsea.
Like every young defender, Sarr has weaknesses that are expected to be corrected with time but his quality is very evident. A good progressive passer of the ball that is also very fearless when faced with opposition attackers one on one. His good sense of positioning also means that he is regularly in the right places to intercept danger before they lead to something consequential.
Although, his rashness and decision making still need working on. He is still only learning his trade and would only get better from here on. One thing for sure is based on his current trajectory, he is going to be a defensive stalwart at Stamford Bridge for a number of years to come.
