Overview
Chelsea defender Malang Sarr has been released by the club, according to recent reports. The 25-year-old, who joined Chelsea in 2020 after leaving Nice, is now expected to sign with Ligue 1 club Lens.
Sarr’s Journey at Chelsea
Malang Sarr arrived at Stamford Bridge as a free agent in 2020, securing a five-year deal with a lucrative £100,000-per-week salary. However, his time at Chelsea has been marked by multiple loan spells and limited first-team appearances.
Loan Spells and Limited Playtime
Porto: Sarr spent his first season on loan at Porto.
Monaco: He then joined Monaco on a year-long loan deal.
In total, Sarr played just 21 games for Chelsea, with only eight appearances in the Premier League. Despite his limited playtime, he earned a substantial £20.8 million during his stint at the club.
Release and Future Prospects
Move to Lens
According to L’Equipe, Sarr is set to sign with Lens as a free agent, despite having one year left on his Chelsea contract. This move marks the end of his time with the Blues.
Failed Transfer to Le Havre
In January, a potential move to Le Havre fell through. The club’s director, Mathieu Bodmer, criticized Chelsea’s handling of the transfer, calling it “disgraceful.” Despite an agreement being reached and Sarr being prepared to join Le Havre on a reduced salary, Chelsea reportedly blocked the move at the last minute, causing significant disappointment for Sarr.
Impact on Chelsea’s Squad
Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher
In related news, talkSPORT reports that Chelsea have decided to leave Trevoh Chalobah out of their pre-season tour in the US. Chalobah is among the players Chelsea are open to selling this summer, with Crystal Palace showing interest.
Conor Gallagher, another homegrown talent, is also rumored to be on the move, with Atletico Madrid reportedly interested in the midfielder.
Pre-Season and Upcoming Fixtures
Chelsea’s pre-season includes matches against Wrexham, Celtic Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. The Blues will then face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in their opening match of the season.
Conclusion
Malang Sarr’s release from Chelsea marks the end of a chapter filled with loan spells and limited opportunities. As he prepares to join Lens, Chelsea are making significant changes to their squad, including potential moves for other players. The club’s pre-season preparations are in full swing as they gear up for a challenging season ahead.
