Grading every Chelsea signing of the summer transfer window
3. Malang Sarr
This move reeks of those free agent moves one makes in FIFA’s Career Mode to solely add squad depth because all of your money is being spent elsewhere. That’s not an indictment of Sarr, per say, but it’s not exactly an enthralling move. Sarr’s best chance of playing with the first team this season was the fact it took Chelsea so long to find him a suitable loan move. From the moment the 21-year-old was signed, it was announced he’d spend this season in other colors, furthering his development.
Overall, Sarr is a very intriguing prospect. The Frenchman signed a five-year deal with the Blues this summer after spending 15 years at Nice, his local club. Sarr made his senior debut in 2016 and has already made over 100 appearances in Ligue 1. He’s been touted as the next up and coming centerback out of France and has earned praise from all across Europe. All of this makes one wonder why Nice let his contract run out. That is for the French club to know, but for Blues fans to celebrate.
In terms of the deal itself, the biggest positive is the fact it was a free transfer. The Blues didn’t have to pay a dime, and won’t for at least another year. In fact, they profited as Porto will cover his wages in their entirety and pay Chelsea a €2 million loan fee. The downside is Sarr won’t strengthen Lampard’s side at all this season. He’s everything the west London club needed in a centerback—left-footed, technical, smart and experienced—the youngster just doesn’t look ready for the bright lights of the Premier League quite yet.
As far as deals this summer go, this is “the worst” of the bunch. However, you know it’s been a fantastic window when a promising young centerback on a free transfer is your “worst” move. Sarr may be a star in the future for Chelsea and if not, he’ll likely turn a decent profit. Either way, a great piece of business by the board, just not necessarily what the doctor ordered at this moment in time.