Manchester United are close to agreeing the club-record sale of Melvine Malard to Women’s Super League rivals Chelsea.
The proposed transfer could be worth as much as £850,000, although some sources have placed the final figure closer to £750,000.
Talks have reached their final stages and the move is expected to proceed. However, neither United nor Chelsea have formally confirmed an agreement.
The Guardian reports that United attempted to extend Malard’s contract, which expires next summer. The France international instead indicated that she wanted a new challenge, leaving the club unwilling to risk losing her without a fee in 2027.
United must reinvest record Malard fee
Malard’s expected departure removes an important source of goals from Marc Skinner’s squad.
The 26-year-old scored six times from 18 Women’s Super League starts last season. She also added four Champions League goals as United reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
Chelsea have tracked the forward for an extended period. A move would reunite Malard with Sonia Bompastor, who previously coached her at Lyon and played an important role in her early development.
United’s decision is financially understandable. Malard joined permanently from Lyon in 2024 after an initial loan and has only one year remaining on her deal. The reported fee would provide Skinner with meaningful funds before the women’s transfer window closes on 3 September.
The club have already begun reshaping the squad. ReadManUtd recently covered Hannah Blundell’s departure after her contract expired, another change within an increasingly busy summer.
Securing a record fee represents strong business. United will ultimately be judged on how effectively they replace Malard’s pace, versatility and European goals.
Selling an important forward to Chelsea also carries sporting risk. Reinvestment must now follow quickly.
