Chelsea announced the signing of forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United on July 20, 2026, on a four-year deal [1, 2, 3]. The 26-year-old France international has joined Chelsea after three seasons with Manchester United, where she made 57 appearances and contributed 21 goals and assists [1, 3].
Malard joined Manchester United in 2023, initially on loan for her first season [2]. She helped the club win the Women's FA Cup in her debut season and scored four goals last season during their run to the Champions League quarter-finals, along with six goals in 18 Women's Super League matches [1, 2, 3].
Before her time at Manchester United, Malard spent seven seasons with Olympique Lyonnais, winning four Champions League titles, three league titles, and two Coupes de France [2]. Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor, who has signed Malard again at Chelsea, previously coached her at Lyon and led the club to the Women's Champions League title in 2022 [1, 2, 3]. Malard said, "I have known Sonia since I was 14 years old, so it is great to work with her again," and expressed her ambition, saying, "My objective is to become better every single day and to win trophies. I know Chelsea always have that as an objective" [1, 2].
Manchester United sold Malard for around £850,000, a club record sale. With one year remaining on her contract, United preferred to cash in this summer rather than risk losing her for free next year [2]. The club plans to reinvest the transfer fee into strengthening the squad before the September 3 transfer window closes [2].
Chelsea recently lost key forwards Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, Catarina Macario, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, making Malard an important addition [2]. Malard has 41 caps and 14 goals for the France national team and played at Euro 2022 and Euro 2025 [1, 3].
Chelsea’s signing of Malard comes as they prepare for the 2026-2027 season with hopes to rebuild attacking options and compete for trophies.
