Chelsea have kicked off the new Premier League season with a solid start, amassing seven points from their opening three matches. Under the guidance of head coach Enzo Maresca, who led the Blues to Europa Conference League success last season, the club is showing signs of resurgence. Maresca, previously celebrated for steering Leicester City to the Championship title, has brought a renewed sense of purpose to Stamford Bridge. As the team prepares for their next challenge—an away clash against Brentford after the international break—transfer activity continues to make headlines.
In a surprising move, Saudi Pro League side Neom SC have tabled a £17.3 million offer for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to Chelsea News. The 27-year-old Frenchman, who has struggled to cement a regular spot in Maresca’s squad, appears to be on the verge of leaving west London. Disasi, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has found himself lower in the pecking order, with his limited impact prompting speculation about his future.
The France international, capped five times, has made 61 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, including 17 last season. His loan spell at Aston Villa in January provided a temporary escape, where he featured in 10 matches and gained valuable experience in the Champions League. Reflecting on his time at Villa Park, Disasi said, “It was stressful, but now I am very happy to be here. It’s my first time playing in the Champions League, and I’m very excited about it. The club is ambitious, and so am I, so I hope we will do something great.”
Disasi’s journey to Chelsea began in the youth ranks of Paris FC, where he honed his skills before breaking into their first team. His talent shone through during spells at Stade de Reims and AS Monaco in Ligue 1. At Monaco, he was a standout performer, making 129 appearances and scoring an impressive 12 goals as a defender. His form earned him a high-profile move to Chelsea, but the transition to the Premier League has been challenging, and he now faces a pivotal moment in his career.
With the English transfer window closed, a move abroad is Disasi’s most viable option. Neom SC, newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League, are eager to secure his signature. Managed by former PSG boss Christophe Galtier, Neom boast an ambitious project with stars like Abdoulaye Doucouré, Saïd Benrahma, and Alexandre Lacazette already on their roster. The £17.3 million deal would mark Chelsea’s seventh player departure to Saudi Arabia, a trend that has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike.
Despite criticism over the growing influence of Saudi clubs in the transfer market, Chelsea’s decision to offload Disasi reflects their ongoing squad overhaul under Maresca. The move could provide the defender with a fresh start and regular playing time, while Chelsea continue to streamline their roster ahead of a demanding season.
As the Blues gear up for their trip to Brentford, who have stumbled in two of their first three games, the focus remains on maintaining momentum. For Disasi, a new chapter in Saudi Arabia could be the key to reigniting his career, while Chelsea’s transfer strategy continues to evolve in bold and unexpected ways.