There wasn’t really a big send off for Malang Sarr over the summer.
Sarr, 25, had spent the last four years of his life at Stamford Bridge, after joining Chelsea as one of the most in-demand youngsters on the planet. In February 2018, the French sensation had been named by the CIES Football Observatory as the world’s fifth-most promising footballer under the age of 20.
However, he was soon tossed aside as just another forgotten toy at Stamford Bridge – with even then Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino forgetting about the defender. “I just wanted to ask about two players who have disappeared,” came the reporter’s question following Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Luton at the start of the 23/24 season. “Malang Sarr, who was on loan last season.”
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Pochettino’s immediate response was telling as he answered with another question: “Who?” The journalist then followed up by repeating Sarr’s name, as well as asking about academy product Jamie Cumming, who had spent the last 18 months on loan with MK Dons.
“Oh my goodness,” said Pochettino after a long pause before fumbling his attempt at Sarr’s first name. “Malana Sarr and then Jamie? I don’t know what I can tell you.”
(Image: Getty Images)
It’s been no secret that Chelsea have a massive squad – but few at his age would have been on the wages of Sarr – the second youngest player to ever score on debut in Ligue 1.
He put pen to paper on a five-year deal worth £100,000 a week when he first rocked up in London, but Chelsea cancelled his contract early, with Sarr picking up £20.8million from his spell at Stamford Bridge.
And in Chelsea’s return for their investment – Sarr made just eight Premier League appearances for the club, only six of them starts, in the 2021/22 season.
(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Having spent a year on loan at Monaco, Sarr would return to his native France, penning a deal with Ligue 1 side Lens on a free in July.
“Versatile and with solid European experience, Malang is a player who started very young and whose career has been marked by challenges,” Lens boss Pierre Dréossi said.
“Despite the trials, he never gave up and joins Racing today with the firm intention of performing. His personality is shaped by his resilience and his ability to overcome obstacles. His humility, his team spirit and his great strength of character are in perfect harmony with Racing’s values. Welcome, Malang!”