Chelsea loanee Malang Sarr remains a bit of an unknown quantity, having joined on a free transfer last summer but going on loan almost immediately to FC Porto — with mixed results that ranged from having to play for Porto’s reserves and also matching wits and coming out on top against Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in the Champions League (before getting eliminated by Chelsea!).
But he’s now with the first-team at Cobham training under the watchful eyes of Thomas Tuchel & Co, which may seem like a lot of pressure, but the 22-year-old certainly sounds quite ready to live up to that challenge and earn himself a spot on the team.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, starting to work, we are working very hard and very well so I’m happy. I have enjoyed being here.
“I have spoken a little bit with the manager, he knows I speak French so we have been talking. I have a good feeling here; everybody is very good with me. I can feel everybody is ambitious here. They want to work and they really want us to give the best every day, and that’s a good thing because that’s how I see things. I really want to work hard every day and try to improve in every aspect.
“I hope to join the team and help the team to the top. They finished the season as Kings of Europe. I’m here to help and to let the team stay at the highest level, trying to bring all the good energy and my work to the team. I know the club is ambitious and I am ambitious as well, so it’s a perfect match.”
-Malang Sarr; source: Chelsea FC
Once very highly rated, Sarr’s career trajectory has hit a bit of a rough patch in recent years, though it’s certainly far too early to write him off. He has four years left on his Chelsea contract, and whether it’s another loan or a surprise first-team spot that awaits him this summer, with the sort of attitude he’s showing, he’s sure to find success.
Even after the departures of Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guéhi, Chelsea are certainly not lacking in center backs at the moment. But given their contract situations (only Kurt Zouma signed beyond this season), we could see a lot of personnel changes in that department over the next couple years, which could be a great opportunity for someone like Sarr.