Al-Hilal could be set to provide Chelsea with an unforeseen transfer bonus, with talks underway for Mamadou Sarr.
Foot Mercato report that the Saudi side have their eyes on the 20-year-old, whose six months with the Blues have been far from successful.
Unclear Chelsea future
The centre-back returned to Stamford Bridge in February from sister club Strasbourg. He has originally signed last summer in a €14m deal. But he spent the first half of last season with the French side.
He’s yet to establish himself at Chelsea, though. Last season saw him make just seven appearances in all competitions, totally 302 minutes.
It’s also unclear what his role will be under Xabi Alonso. A report this summer indicated that the Chelsea coach had delayed a decision on the defender’s future for the time being.
Chelsea have since signed Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. And they also have Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile and Jorrel Hato among their central defensive options.
Highly likely to leave
Several of those could be departing in the coming weeks, and it seems Sarr could join them. FHe is ‘highly likely’ to leave, likely on loan.
Real Sociedad are interested in such a deal, but Al-Hilal are ‘simultaneously pursuing the player’. Talks are currently underway with the 20-year-old defender.
The Saudi club – who are also home to his international teammate Kalidou Koulibaly – would like to add him to their squad. They’ve already presented their project to the youngster.
It’s not made clear if they would like a loan deal as well, or a permanent transfer. It is more likely to be the latter. Chelsea are unlikely to sanction a loan to the Middle East if there is the potential for big money on the table.
It also remains to be seen if Sarr can be convinced. He would, presumably, prefer to remain in Europe at this early stage of his career.
