Chelsea are closing in on what is expected to become Manchester United‘s record sale, with France international Melvine Malard understood to be in the final stages of agreeing a move worth around £850,000 after turning down a new contract at Leigh Sports Village.
Chelsea Closing In on Club-Record Deal
Manchester United are on the verge of agreeing a club-record sale after Chelsea moved into the final stages of negotiations to sign France international Melvine Malard.
The Guardian’s Tom Garry first reported on Tuesday evening that Chelsea were closing in on a deal for the 26-year-old, with the proposed transfer understood to be worth around £850,000. If completed, the fee would surpass Manchester United Women’s previous record outgoing transfer and bring an end to Malard’s two-year spell at Leigh Sports Village.
It is understood that United offered Malard a new contract earlier this year, with manager Marc Skinner keen to keep hold of the forward. However, the France international rejected those terms, prompting United to cash in this summer rather than risk losing her on a free transfer when her contract expires next year.
Discussions between the two clubs are understood to be at an advanced stage, with all parties believed to be satisfied with the proposed agreement.
A Reunion With Sonia Bompastor
A move to Stamford Bridge would see Malard reunite with Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor, who is understood to have been a long-time admirer of the forward. The pair previously worked together at Lyon before Malard made the switch to Manchester United.
Chelsea’s interest is not new. The Blues have monitored Malard for some time and have accelerated their pursuit as they reshape their attacking options following a number of high-profile departures.
Malard is also understood to have been keen to seek a fresh challenge, with the nine-time WSL champions able to offer another opportunity to compete for major domestic and European honours.
The 26-year-old enjoyed another productive season in Manchester, scoring six Women’s Super League goals and adding four more in the UEFA Women’s Champions League as United reached the quarter-finals during their debut campaign in the competition before eventually losing to Bayern Munich.
Her performances also earned her a place in France’s squad for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, further enhancing her growing reputation on the international stage.
United Facing Key Summer Decision
For Manchester United, the deal would provide a significant financial boost but also leave Marc Skinner without one of his most dangerous attacking players.
Despite an encouraging campaign and an impressive first appearance in the Champions League, United narrowly missed out on securing European qualification for next season.
The anticipated £850,000 fee would hand United an opportunity to reinvest in a squad aiming to close the gap on Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, all of whom continue to strengthen significantly.
Why Malard Makes Sense for Chelsea
Malard fits Chelsea’s recruitment model perfectly.
At 26, she is entering the prime years of her career and brings experience of competing at the highest level. Comfortable across the front three, she offers pace, intelligent movement and the ability to operate in multiple attacking roles.
Her previous relationship with Bompastor at Lyon could also prove valuable. Chelsea are not signing a player who needs to learn the manager’s expectations from scratch; they are bringing in someone familiar with the tactical demands and philosophy.
For Manchester United, the picture is more complicated.
Losing Malard is undoubtedly a blow. She was instrumental during the Red Devils’ European campaign and provided a consistent attacking threat, but once she rejected a new contract, the club had a difficult decision to make.
Accepting a record transfer fee rather than risking losing a valuable asset for nothing is understandable. The question now is how effectively United reinvest.