Chelsea completed the signing of free agent Malang Sarr from Nice

Chelsea closes the deal for young free agent Malang Sarr on a five-year agreement.

It appears all the focus has turned from the forward line to the backline for Chelsea’s board. The club announced the arrival of French 21-year-old, Malang Sarr, after agreeing to a five-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

Although this is a singing needed in an area that requires much work, Sarr will go out on loan for the up and coming campaign. As per the club, experience and regular game time are needed for his progress to continue.

"The 21-year-old left the Ligue 1 club this summer following the end of his contract there and has now signed a five-year deal with us. He will spend the 2020/21 season out on loan. This will provide the chance to gain valuable game time and add to his experience so he will be ready to join our squad."

This display that Frank Lampard is not only looking at bringing success to the Bridge in the short-term but the long-term future as well. The club wants to be able to replenish the squad without feeling the loss of big players when other top European sides come in for their best picks of the crop.

Malang Sarr’s time in France

The Frenchman enjoyed four seasons in France’s Ligue 1 before deciding to not stretch his stay at Nice. In 102 Ligue 1 appearances, he made 88 starts for the club.

During the period he enjoyed the most time on the pitch playing a total of 27 games, he helped the Allianz Riviera side to a third-place finish, the highest in their past five campaigns. In total for Nice, he made 119 appearances and scored three goals and has three assists.

Malang Sarr’s defensive stats

Matches played – 102 Matches
Minutes played – 7,997
Tackles – 92 Tackles
Blocks – 107 Blocks
Interceptions – 191 Interceptions
Clearances – 191 Clearances
Errors – 3 Errors

His time in France’s top flight at his young age shows more promise than anything else. A defender that stays on his feet during challenges and that is cool under pressure when in tight situations is always welcomed by top manages.