Mauricio Pochettino famously didn’t know who Malang Sarr was when he became Chelsea manager, however the centre-back has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround and is now fighting for the Ligue 1 title.
Sarr joined the Blues in 2020, however spent time on loan at Porto before becoming a regular in the first team squad when Thomas Tuchel was in charge.
This quickly turned into him being expelled from first team duties, and Sarr was forced to train with the Under 21s before eventually securing a permanent move away.
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Jason Cundy discussing Estevao Willian and Bukayo Saka
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His travels have taken him to RC Lens, who currently sit top of Ligue 1 after winning 17 of their 22 games so far this season.
Malang Sarr is enjoying a redemption arc since leaving Chelsea
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Malang Sarr’s redemption arc after leaving Chelsea
This sees them sit above PSG, a side Chelsea could face in the Champions League Round of 16 and who they beat in the Club World Cup final.
Sarr has proven to be a crucial member of the backline for them. He has played the full 90 minutes in all but one league game this season.
He has already made as many appearances this season as he did during his entire time at Stamford Bridge.
The Frenchman looked most comfortable at Chelsea playing in Tuchel’s three-at-the-back formation, and this is the exact system Lens have been using to great effect.
Sarr is no doubt an afterthought to many at Stamford Bridge, who are currently in the process of trying to sort out their own defensive woes.
Chelsea’s defensive issues in 2025/26
Levi Colwill’s absence throughout the season has caused a real issue for the Blues at the back. He is not expected to feature throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
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Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea react
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This has seen a combination of Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo playing the majority of the minutes.
Chelsea are open to selling a number of those names as they look to sort the issue once and for all.
There may be an appetite to put the faith in the young stars at the club. Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino all appear to have bright futures.
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