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Feature
- 29 minutes ago
Maresca finds solution to biggest Chelsea problem as transfer confirmed
Tom Weber
- Updated: 5 Dec 2025 10:56 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Strasbourg loanee Mamadou Sarr has announced his intention to play for Chelsea next season.
The centre-back officially joined the Blues in the summer from their BlueCo sister club, but it was ultimately decided after the Club World Cup that it would be better for Sarr's development to stay in France for another season.
Although Strasbourg's recent results, at least domestically, have been disappointing, Sarr continues to impress. The 20-year-old has been almost ever-present for the Alsatians, except for a few games that he missed due to a dead leg.
Current ETV
Mamadou Sarr
D (C)
Strasbourg
Mamadou Sarr
D (C)
Strasbourg
ETV Range
€20M - €24.5M
Last weekend, the youngster captained Liam Rosenior's side in their 2-1 loss to Stade Brestois in the absence of fellow Chelsea recruit Emmanuel Emegha, who started the game on the bench.
The Dutch striker has since been suspended for Strasbourg's upcoming game with Toulouse due to some recent comments he made, which rubbed club officials the wrong way. Sarr is therefore likely to captain Racing again this weekend.
Sarr 'absolutely' wants to play for Chelsea
Despite games coming thick and fast for Strasbourg, Sarr is already dreaming of Stamford Bridge. Speaking to Canal+, the Senegal international has revealed that he is "absolutely" intent on playing for Chelsea next season.
“I want to play a good season with Strasbourg, then join the Chelsea group in June," he added. “Strasbourg is a good place to progress because there are only young players. The environment is made only for us. I think it is the best place to develop.”
Although he only made an eight-minute cameo at the Club World Cup, Sarr has described the triumph in the US as the "best memory" of his nascent career. He is clearly excited about his upcoming return to West London, and this is good news for Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea need more defensive quality, as was again evident mid-week when Maresca's side suffered a chastening 3-1 defeat to Leeds, with Tosin Adarabioyo handing the promoted outfit their third goal on a silver platter.
Maresca already demanded more defensive reinforcements in the summer, but Chelsea's hierarchy refused to listen. Heading into January, there are so far no truly concrete suggestions that a signing could be made - or that Sarr could be recalled prematurely - but more Leeds-like performances may change that thinking.
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