Mamadou Sarr, a new loan is looming at Chelsea

Mamadou Sarr’s trajectory at Chelsea has taken an unexpected turn. Transferred from Strasbourg in June 2025, the former Lyon player returned to Alsace at the end of the summer on a loan spell designed to help him gain experience. But six months later, in February 2026, the Blues prematurely ended this loan and called him back to London.

Difficult beginnings in the first team

Mamadou Sarr’s return to Chelsea did not unfold as hoped. Over the course of the semester, the defender played only 6 matches with the London club, just 3 of which were with the first team (1 in the Champions League and 2 in the FA Cup). Very limited playing time for a player heralded as one of the great defensive talents upon his arrival, and who is still struggling to establish himself in the face of stiff competition for his position.

No minutes played at the World Cup

The contrast with his journey in the national team remains striking. Mamadou Sarr played an important role during the AFCON won by the Lions in January, and he was a starter in the 2 friendly matches before the World Cup. But once the World Cup started, nothing more. The defender did not appear in any matches of the tournament, staying on the bench without getting a single minute of play.

A new loan in England under consideration, in the Alonso era

According to The Athletic, Chelsea is now working on a new loan move for the defender to an English club for next season, a decision that comes after this mixed first-team experience. This process is part of the broader overhaul initiated by Xabi Alonso, appointed manager of the Blues in May and officially in post since July 1st.

The Spaniard, who began his pre-season at Cobham in early July, must rebuild a squad after a disappointing 2025-2026 season, which ended in 10th place in the Premier League and without European qualification. The goal for Mamadou Sarr remains the same: to allow him to continue his development in a competitive environment, with a preference for a Premier League club.

Despite these difficulties, Mamadou Sarr’s potential is not in question internally. His profile remains attractive, as demonstrated by the recent interest expressed by Como, the Italian Serie A club who would like to sign him on a season-long loan. Chelsea would not rule out this option, but for now, the English option is preferred by the management. It remains to be seen if Xabi Alonso, who is getting to know his new squad, will have a say in the immediate future of the young defender, who is still under contract with the Blues until June 2033.