Chelsea are once again looking to trim their squad as Axel Disasi edges closer to the exit door. The French defender, signed with much expectation, has now been frozen out of new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans. At 27 years old, Disasi faces a difficult decision on whether to accept a move abroad or stay in London with no chance of regular football.
Maresca has been ruthless in cutting down his squad numbers and Disasi has been one of the high-profile casualties. Despite being considered a reliable option under previous managers, the Italian coach does not see him fitting into his style of play. The Chelsea hierarchy has made it clear that offloading him is a priority before the Saudi Pro League window shuts on 23 September.
A switch to Bournemouth looked promising earlier in the summer but collapsed at the final stage. Interest from West Ham, Crystal Palace and Wolves was also rejected by the defender himself. His refusal to join Premier League rivals has left Chelsea frustrated, with Saudi Arabia or Turkey now appearing to be the only realistic routes out.
Saudi Clubs Offer Late Escape Route
Chelsea have already raised an extraordinary €287 million through sales this summer. Several members of the so-called bomb squad have been moved on, including Ben Chilwell who left for Strasbourg on deadline day. Yet Disasi remains, creating a problem that the board are eager to solve.
The Saudi Pro League has been a magnet for unwanted players across Europe in recent months. With its window still open, Chelsea are quietly working to convince Disasi to consider the option. The money on offer is strong and the chance to play regularly may appeal after being sidelined in England.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown, who still maintains close connections across the football world, believes Chelsea will keep pushing for a deal until the final hours of the Saudi window. According to Brown, there is no future for Disasi at Stamford Bridge and a move would suit all parties.
Sterling Faces Similar Uncertain Future
Disasi is not the only senior player at risk. Raheem Sterling’s position is equally unstable after being left out of first-team plans. The winger, once one of England’s most dangerous forwards, is now viewed as surplus to requirements. Despite links to Fulham and West Ham, no club was prepared to take on his contract before the English window shut.
Brown even suggested Chelsea could look to terminate Sterling’s contract completely to allow him to move on a free transfer. That would be a dramatic move but shows just how determined the club are to reduce the wage bill and reshape the squad in Maresca’s vision.
Fulham made a late enquiry about Sterling as they juggled options in attack, but they eventually secured a deal for Brazilian forward Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk. With interest drying up, Sterling may now have to wait for opportunities abroad just like Disasi.
Chelsea Continue Aggressive Restructure
The summer has seen Chelsea act with remarkable aggression in shifting unwanted players. The club are balancing the books while also making space for Maresca to build a squad around his tactical demands. Big names have been moved on and more could follow before the remaining open markets shut.
Disasi’s situation highlights the ruthless stance of the new regime. Once a mainstay in defense, he now finds himself without a role and staring at a forced move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey. For a player still in his prime years, the decision will not be easy.
