Chelsea have announced the signing of France forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United on a four-year contract. The fee is about £850,000, a club-record sale for United. The Guardian revealed last week that a deal was close for the 26-year-old, who leaves United after three seasons.
Malard's Move and United's Decision
Malard had one year remaining on her contract, and United were keen to keep her. However, once it became clear she wanted a move, United decided to sell rather than lose a high-value player on a free transfer next summer. It is believed United will reinvest the fee into the squad, with the transfer window open until 3 September.
United have made one summer signing so far, full-back Andrea Medina from Atlético Madrid, but more incomings are expected after the departures of Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, Sienna Wareing, Millie Turner, Lisa Naalsund, and Malard.
Malard's Ambition and Reunion with Bompastor
"I'm so happy because I have a plan for my life and my career, and Chelsea were a part of that plan," Malard said. "My objective is to become better every single day and to win trophies. I know Chelsea always have that as an objective."
Malard played under Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor at Lyonnes (formerly Lyon) and was recruited to their academy by Bompastor. "I have known Sonia since I was 14 years old, so it is great to work with her again," Malard added.
Chelsea's Summer Signings and Departures
It is understood Chelsea have been tracking Malard for some time. They have lost several forwards, with club record-goalscorer Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten departing for Gotham FC, Catarina Macario joining San Diego Wave, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd signing for Lyonnes.
Malard is Chelsea's third signing of the summer, after former Arsenal full-back Katie McCabe and forward Manaka Matsukubo, who was with North Carolina Courage.
Malard's Career and Last Season's Performance
Malard spent seven seasons at Lyonnes, winning four Champions Leagues, three league titles, and two Coupes de France. Her first season with United was on loan. Last season, she scored four goals in United's run to a first Champions League quarter-final and six times in 18 Women's Super League games, totaling 10 goals across both competitions.
Liverpool Sign Mao Itamura
Liverpool have signed Japanese attacking midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord. The 19-year-old, who won the Under-20 Women's Asian Cup in April, was the Eredivisie player of the year last season in the Netherlands. She scored eight times and provided six assists as Feyenoord qualified for European competition for the first time, earning a place in the Europa Cup. Itamura is Liverpool's fifth summer signing, after Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward, and Khiara Keating.
