Paris St Germain's Bradley Barcola in action with RC Strasbourg's Diego Moreira and Mamadou Sarr. (REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq)
Following a generally positive 2024/25 season that saw them qualify for next year’s Champions League and lift the Europa Conference League, Chelsea have wasted no time preparing for the new campaign.
Just days after the summer transfer window opened, the Blues confirmed the signing of highly-rated England striker Liam Delap after activating his £30 million release clause at Ipswich Town.
Delap, who previously worked under Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca and played alongside Cole Palmer at Manchester City, impressed for Ipswich despite their relegation—scoring 12 Premier League goals. He has now been handed Chelsea’s No. 9 shirt and is widely expected to lead the line ahead of Nicolas Jackson, whose inconsistency continues to frustrate despite flashes of brilliance.
Upon signing, Delap expressed his excitement at reuniting with Palmer, saying: “Cole is incredible in everything he does. I can’t wait to be in front of him again and receive his passes!”
He also praised Maresca, adding: “He’s an incredible coach who helped us all develop. What we did that season was record-breaking, and what he’s gone on to achieve—and what the players in that age group have achieved—is incredible.”
Chelsea Announce Second Summer Signing
Chelsea didn’t stop there. On Monday, they also confirmed the arrival of French defender Mamadou Sarr from sister club RC Strasbourg. The 19-year-old, son of former Senegal international Pape Sarr, joins in a £12 million deal and has signed a contract until 2033.
A central defender who came through the ranks at RC Lens and Lyon, Sarr made 28 appearances across all competitions last season, helping Strasbourg qualify for the UEFA Conference League play-offs.
Speaking about Sarr earlier this year, Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior said: “I could talk about him for hours. His nickname is Mamadou Rosenior—he’s my son. It’s scary to show such performances at 19 with such calm against top teams. He just has to stay humble and he’ll be a top player.”
In an interview with The Athletic, Rosenior added: “His temperament, athleticism, and ability on the ball—he’s got everything you need to be a world-class centre-half.”
Sarr will now link back up with Andrey Santos, who starred on loan at Strasbourg last season. Chelsea will hope that familiarity helps him settle quickly in West London.
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