Mamadou Sarr has retained his shirt number after coming back to Chelsea from his loan spell. Sarr was called back by his parent club, as the Chelsea manager felt he would be important for the squad. Liam Rosenior said in an interview that Mamadou Sarr’s presence in the squad is inevitable. The new manager hasn’t been at the Stamford Bridge for long but has already made an impact at the Blues. Mamadou Sarr’s form has also impressed Rosenior and played an important role in his comeback. It would be interesting to see how he plays after getting a chance to play for his parent club once again.
The Senegal international will further bolster the Blues’ defensive options. Which already include Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, and Trevoh Chalobah. Sarr initially joined Chelsea in the summer transfer window from Strasbourg for a fee of £12 million. Signing an eight-year deal at Stamford Bridge. Upon completing his move, the defender was handed the No. 19 shirt before featuring against Esperance in the Club World Cup. Now back in west London. It has been confirmed that Sarr will stick with the No. 19 as he attempts to force his way into the Chelsea defense. This particular shirt number belonged to Jadon Sancho last season but became vacant once the Blues opted against turning his loan deal from Manchester United into a permanent transfer. Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Diego Costa, Demba Ba, and Paulo Ferreira are among the previous owners of the Chelsea No. 19 shirt during the Premier League era. Sarr is reunited with Liam Rosenior – his manager at Strasbourg—in west London and has previously been heavily praised by the new Blues head coach.
Chelsea are planning for a switch between Mamadou Sarr and another player with Strasbourg.
Chelsea has recalled loanee Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, with Aaron Anselmino moving in the opposite direction to the French club. The exchange of the two 20‑year‑old central defenders takes place between clubs under the same Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership group. Named BlueCo. Strasbourg have also signed striker David Datro Fofana on loan until the end of the season as cover for a training ground injury sustained by star forward Emmanuel Emegha. The last deal will be the 12th deal between the clubs. Including Liam Rosenior’s move from the Alsace club to replace now-departed former Blues head coach Enzo Maresca last month. Sarr is not due in London until Tuesday so is unlikely to feature in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Arsenal on the same day. It comes amid a complicated end to Chelsea’s winter transfer window. With the club having tried to sign now- Liverpool bound Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. Jacquet, also 20, opted for Anfield in a deal worth £55m plus £5m in add-ons. With Chelsea happy enough to add Sarr to their stable of young defenders. Which also includes highly-rated academy graduate Josh Acheampong.
Mamadou Sarr is back at Chelsea after being recalled from his loan spell at RC Strasbourg 🔵
The 20-year-old made 18 appearances in France and captained the side under Liam Rosenior! pic.twitter.com/fYxTS5TpPY
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 3, 2026
Rosenior’s thought on the swap
“I could talk for hours about him. His nickname is Mamadou Rosenior; he’s my son,” Rosenior said. “It’s scary to show such performances at 19 with such calm in the face of such strong teams. He just has to stay humble and calm, and he will be a top player for sure.” “His temperament, his athleticism, his ability on the ball… he’s got everything you need to be a world-class center-half.” Sarr made 18 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell at Strasbourg this season, helping the side to keep eight clean sheets in the process.
Author’s insight
From the author’s point of view, it’s a perfect opportunity for Sarr to prove his haters wrong. Hopefully the player reaches his full potential.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
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