After completing moves for Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, it looks like Chelsea have completely moved their focus towards parting ways with their current players, whether on loan or on a permanent basis, before making any further signings. And another exit is now set to take place, merely months after the player's arrival, with a deal now agreed.
Chelsea are expected to sign a centre-back this summer as they continue to be linked with players like Marc Guehi, Jorrel Hato, Mario Gila and more. And after their latest move, it is clear that they do not view one of their current centre-backs as the answer right now.
It was just last month that Mamadou Sarr joined Chelsea from Strasbourg on an eight-year deal. But now, he is already headed back to France.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Strasbourg have agreed a deal to sign Sarr on loan from Chelsea. He is set to be a key part of their plans for the upcoming season with top 5 ambitions in Ligue 1. The move has been given the 'here we go'.
'Here we go' - Fabrizio Romano announces Chelsea defender's exit
Sarr was part of Chelsea's squad at the Club World Cup and was only able to make one appearance, coming off the bench against ES Tunis. Clearly, he did not do enough to convince Enzo Maresca that he will be able to make an important contribution to the team next season.
As a result, it was the right step for Sarr to head out on loan. There is no reason to believe that this is the beginning of the end for his Chelsea career, although we have seen plenty of players being loaned out and then get lost in the shuffle.
At the end of the day, Sarr is just 19 years of age. He needs to be playing steady football in order to continue his development. If he is not getting that at Chelsea, a move back to Strasbourg is the second-best outcome for him. The manager and the team already know him and he will require no transition phase.