Chelsea have confirmed the acquisition of Strasbourg centre-back Mamadou Sarr, securing the highly-rated teenager on a contract running until 2033.
The 19-year-old, who holds French nationality but traces his heritage to Senegal through his father, former international and World Cup midfielder Pape Sarr, joins the Blues as part of their long-term project to bolster defensive options.
Sarr becomes the latest addition from Strasbourg, the French Ligue 1 side under the ownership of BlueCo, which also controls Chelsea.
Sarr made 28 appearances in all competitions for Strasbourg last season, showing maturity beyond his years in a campaign that saw the club navigate a challenging Ligue 1 season.
The youngster’s rise has been closely monitored by Chelsea scouts since his switch from Olympique Lyon in August 2023.
Highly regarded for his composure and versatility at the back, Sarr has featured regularly for France at youth level, currently representing the U20 side.
His technical attributes and physical profile have drawn praise from Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior, who has tipped the defender for an elite future.
“His temperament, his athleticism, his ability on the ball – he’s got everything you need to be a world-class centre-half,” Rosenior said.
Sarr’s move comes amid Chelsea’s continued push to invest in young talent capable of stepping into the first team in the coming years.
With questions surrounding the long-term composition of Chelsea’s backline, his arrival adds depth and promise to the club’s defensive plans.
The deal reflects Chelsea’s wider recruitment model under BlueCo, focusing on strategic signings of high-potential players across its multi-club network.
Sarr will join up with the Blues for pre-season preparations, where he will aim to impress new manager Enzo Maresca and earn a place in Chelsea’s senior squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
