Axel Disasi, the Chelsea defender who arrived for a substantial £39 million fee from Monaco in 2023, finds himself in a curious position. Despite contributing to a Europa Conference League triumph, the Frenchman has yet to feature for Chelsea this season under manager Enzo Maresca.
Lyon, the prominent Ligue 1 club, is now actively pursuing a move for Disasi, recognizing a critical need for defensive reinforcement. They face the imminent departure of both first-choice centre-backs to the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a significant void in their back line.
Talks between Lyon and Disasi’s representatives have been ongoing for several days, exploring both a potential loan deal and the possibility of a permanent transfer. Lyon’s management clearly views Disasi as a player capable of immediately bolstering their defense and slotting into Paulo Fonseca’s starting eleven.
Disasi’s time at Chelsea, while including 61 appearances across all competitions and a role in a trophy-winning squad, has been marked by inconsistency. He even started in the 2024 Carabao Cup final, a match ultimately lost to Liverpool.
The situation is further complicated by Maresca’s startling admission that he hasn’t even *seen* Disasi since the season began. The Chelsea manager revealed Disasi trains separately, on a different pitch, effectively isolating him from the first-team setup.
This separation raises questions about Disasi’s future at Stamford Bridge. His current contract extends to 2029, but a lack of integration under the current manager suggests a move could be beneficial for all parties involved.
Lyon isn’t solely focused on Disasi. They are also in advanced discussions to secure 19-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick on loan from Real Madrid, signaling an ambitious push to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the campaign.
For Disasi, a move to Lyon represents a chance to reignite his career, find consistent playing time, and prove his worth in a league he knows well. The urgency of Lyon’s need for a seasoned centre-back could provide the perfect opportunity.
