The isolation is stark. Banished from the first team, stripped of even the basic camaraderie of shared facilities – even the restrooms are off-limits. Yet, within this exile, a flicker of hope remains for Axel Disasi, a defender once signed by Chelsea for a substantial fee.
Despite the cold shoulder, reports suggest Disasi hasn’t surrendered his dream of wearing the Chelsea blue again. Recently, he took the field as captain for the club’s Under-21 side, a small but significant act of defiance against his current predicament.
On Saturday, that leadership translated into a resounding 4-1 victory over Reading. Beyond the scoreline, observers within the club have noted Disasi’s unwavering professionalism and the positive impact he’s having on the younger players, a testament to his character.
A curious twist adds another layer to this story: Disasi, along with another sidelined player, remains registered in Chelsea’s Premier League squad. With a demanding December schedule looming – including crucial Champions League matches and a Carabao Cup quarter-final – that decision could prove unexpectedly valuable.
However, don’t mistake inclusion on the roster for a change of heart. Chelsea’s management reportedly remains firm in its intention to sell Disasi when the January transfer window opens, viewing him as surplus to their long-term plans.
The current situation is a dramatic fall from grace. Just months ago, despite a growing injury list in the center-back position – including the prolonged absence of Levi Colwill – manager Enzo Maresca explicitly stated Disasi would not be considered for a recall to the first team.
Signed from Monaco in January 2023 for £38.5 million, Disasi initially featured prominently, making 61 appearances for the club. A loan spell at Aston Villa followed, but even a return to Chelsea hasn’t altered his standing.
Last summer presented opportunities for a move elsewhere. Offers arrived from West Ham, Sunderland, and Bournemouth, all seeking a loan arrangement. Disasi, however, declined them all, harboring a preference for a transfer to a foreign league, a desire for a fresh start abroad.
Chelsea’s next challenge arrives on November 22nd with a trip to Burnley. The question remains: will Disasi be watching from the sidelines, a ghost in the machine, or will a dramatic turn of events offer him a path back into the light?
