Real Sociedad close to agreeing Mamadou Sarr loan from Chelsea | OneFootball

Real Sociedad are close to sealing a loan move for Mamadou Sarr from Chelsea. The 20-year-old French centre-back, who represents Senegal, stands 1.94 metres tall.

According to Diario Vasco, Sarr featured at the recent World Cup in the United States and, given Chelsea’s stacked squad, is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans for his first season. He turns 21 on Saturday, when La Real return to Anoeta to face Espanyol.

Sarr is a right‑footed defender with aerial presence and pace in open spaces, attributes Matarazzo’s style values. He recovers ground well and is composed on the ball, and has operated on both sides of central defence, as well as at right-back.

He developed at Lens, moved to Lyon, then broke through at Strasbourg, one of Chelsea’s satellite clubs. Chelsea paid €10 million for him and his market value is €22 million, a level beyond La Real’s reach, so the agreement carries no option to buy.

The move bolsters Matarazzo’s options after last weekend’s pursuit of Jonathan Jesus stalled. Jokin Aperribay and Bretos travelled to Brazil ready to invest, but Cruzeiro refused to negotiate, with the club financially secure and newly wealthy.

La Real worked several tracks, coming within a medical of finalising Nayef Aguerd, while keeping alternatives such as Krejci, Jonathan Jesus and Sarr alive, expecting a late-window opening.

Alonso has strongly influenced the decision and advised Sarr to spend next season in San Sebastián. With Wesley Fofana, Lacroix and Colwill available, and no European football after €400 million of summer spending, Chelsea see a loan as best.

The addition addresses centre-back after Caleta-Car’s exit and Aritz’s non-renewal. Unlike Jonathan Jesus, Sarr has European experience. Pending a medical and paperwork, La Real have their first signing of the summer.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”