Done deal: Chelsea sign defender of African descent whose father faced Nigeria at Afcon

Through a statement on the official website, Premier League giants Chelsea have confirmed the signing of promising defender of African descent Mamadou Sarr from sister club RC Strasbourg.

A France U20 international, Mamadou Sarr is the son of retired Senegal international Pape Sarr, who represented the Lions of Teranga at the 2002 World Cup.

Pape Sarr was on the bench as an unused substitute when Senegal suffered a 2–1 defeat to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.

Two years later, he played a more active role, featuring in Senegal's memorable semi-final victory over the Super Eagles at the 2002 edition of the tournament.

Mamadou Sarr ended his association with Strasbourg by signing an eight-year contract with Chelsea, valid until June 30, 2033.

Just one year after arriving Strasbourg from Lyon, Sarr is leaving the Blue-and-Whites for a transfer fee of £12m, according to The BBC.

The Martigues native is eligible to represent Chelsea in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

He spent his formative footballing years developing at ES Saint-Laurent-Blangy and Lens, honing his skills within their youth setups.

In a bid to gain regular first-team experience, he joined Belgian side RWD Molenbeek on loan for the second half of the 2023–24 season.

In his final season with Strasbourg, Sarr featured in 27 Ligue 1 matches, amassing a total of 2,368 minutes on the pitch — a testament to his growing consistency and importance at the top level of French football.

The defender now becomes part of Chelsea's increasingly diverse and talented group of dual-national players of African descent.

That list includes the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Carney Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke, Tyrique George, Benoit Badiashile, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Omari Kellyman, Mathis Amougou, Dário Essugo and Romeo Lavia — reflecting the club's continued investment in emerging multicultural talent across Europe.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel