Chelsea have announced the signing of Melvine Malard from Manchester United.
Malard has signed a four-year deal with the Blues following a reported £750,000 move from their Women's Super League rivals.
The forward will reunite with head coach Sonia Bompastor, with whom she won the 2022 Champions League at Lyon.
Since arriving in Manchester from Lyon ahead of the 2023-24 season, Malard scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 57 WSL games.
Her 21 direct goal contributions across the last three WSL campaigns are the third-most of any United player, after Ella Toone (25) and Elisabeth Terland (23).
Malard had one year left on her contract at United, but did not want to pass up on her long-time goal of playing for Chelsea.
"I'm so happy because I have a plan for my life and my career, and Chelsea were a part of that plan," Malard told the Chelsea website.
"It is a great club and a big club, so I am very excited to get started. I have played against Chelsea a lot of times and have always lost, so I know the team have good players.
"My objective is to become better every single day and to win trophies. I know Chelsea always have that as an objective and I have that ambition too.
"I am also really looking forward to playing at Stamford Bridge on a regular basis. The atmosphere is incredible, and the pitch is close to the fans, so you really feel their energy. I love that."
Chelsea finished third in the WSL last season, six points behind champions Manchester City, securing a Champions League qualifying spot.
While the Blues lost the FA Cup final to City, they defeated United 2-0 in the League Cup showpiece, where Malard played the full 90 minutes.
laqracka_
0
Remember James' sister was also once our player and we sold her to Chelsea.
and so....
Babaeituz
0
Remember James' sister was also once our player and we sold her to Chelsea.
Uncle01
1
Wrong transfer, one of our best players has been sold to our rival title contenders
Cekabcpsy
0
Kyaaaaaakwokwo yeeeeh.... Is Manchester United mad? 😡. I don't just understand this English WSL transfer policy. What on could you sell Melvin Malard to a close rivalry club, especially Chelsea, your best striker for that matter? This is pure madness of the highest order!
Richardoghale
0
Welcome to the best club in the world Melvine 💙💙💙💙🎯🙏🏽
Temesa
4
she was a joy to watch... she made me watch Man Utd women games highlights. I don't know why Man Utd sold the most exciting player to watch
GiftChikombe
3
I really loved mallard at united now am disappointed
yicacmrtz
2
the only girl in our team with vibe 😫 why is she going naa 😞
Yabelmnory
0
united female team are not serious at all you want to win trophies and you are selling your best players to your rivals.
I don't think he will ever play for united against
WNMessi1989
0
united female team are not serious at all you want to win trophies and you are selling your best players to your rivals.
Rebuild with new team so that Mason Greenwood can be returned. It’s the Women’s team that create biggest issue to kick out Mason.
WNMessi1989
1
Yeah ManUtd women team gotta be overhauled - then only Mason Greenwood can be returned home. Waiting
Yabelmnory
1
united female team are not serious at all you want to win trophies and you are selling your best players to your rivals.
hiecdlrsz
0
G.O.A.T