Transfer News: Chelsea Sign 19-Year-Old Defender From Sister Club Strasbourg
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French defender Mamadou Sarr signed an eight-year contract with Chelsea from their sister club Strasbourg.
French defender Mamadou Sarr has signed an eight-year contract with Chelsea, joining from Ligue 1 team Strasbourg, the Premier League club announced on Monday.
While financial details were undisclosed, British media reported the deal is valued at around 14 million euros ($16 million).
The 19-year-old centre-back, son of former Senegal international Pape Sarr, made 28 appearances for Strasbourg after transferring from Olympique Lyonnais in August. He has represented France at the Under-19 level.
Strasbourg and Chelsea are part of the same multi-club ownership structure, with Strasbourg being acquired by Todd Boehly's consortium, BlueCo, in 2023.
Chelsea will begin its Club World Cup campaign against Club Leon on 16 June. Chelsea won the Conference League last season and qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Who is Mamadou Sarr?
The 19-year-old Sarr is a France Under-20 international who was a regular last season as Strasbourg finished seventh, securing a place in the Conference League play-offs. He previously played for Lens and Lyon.
Mamadou initially showcased his potential at RC Lens' academy before moving to Lyon. After progressing through the youth ranks, he made his senior debut in the penultimate game of the 2022/23 season.
The defender made two more senior appearances the following season before a five-month loan spell at Belgian club RWD Molenbeek.
A France Under-20 international, Mamadou joined Strasbourg last August and quickly became a regular starter in defence. He made 27 starts in Ligue 1, helping Strasbourg finish seventh.
His talent has been recognised internationally, having been capped at various youth levels, most recently for France's Under-20 team.
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