Malouda begins Chelsea adventure
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Article summary
Chelsea FC have begun their fourth summer tour of the United States in a row with the news France winger Florent Malouda has completed his transfer.
Article body
Chelsea FC have begun their fourth summer tour of the United States in a row with the news France midfielder Florent Malouda has signed a four-year contract after completing a medical with the English Premier League club.
Weekend debut
The 27-year-old's departure for a reported €20m fee from Olympique Lyonnais first came to light over the weekend with Malouda travelling to London to agree terms and take the medical yesterday. A Chelsea statement said: "[Malouda] will travel on Tuesday to Los Angeles to join up with the pre-season preparations." The club added that "he could be in contention for action against Mexican side Club América on Saturday in San Jose".
Beckham meeting
Chelsea are also scheduled to play two other games in California against Korean side Suwon Bluewings a week today and MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy four days later, a match that could feature David Beckham with the England midfielder being unveiled by his new club this Friday. Chelsea then return to England in advance of the traditional FA Community Shield pre-season opener against Manchester United FC on 5 August, a week before the new Premier League season starts.
Boulahrouz absent
The travelling Chelsea party also includes new recruits Tal Ben Haim and Steve Sidwell but Claudio Pizarro, another new face, will not be present after being given a break following Peru's exit from the Copa América. Six Chelsea players were meeting up with the squad in the US including English internationals Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge, Frank Lampard and Shaun Wright-Phillips. However, Khalid Boulahrouz was left behind with Chelsea claiming "discussions are ongoing with several clubs over the Dutch defender's future".
