With the biggest squad in the Premier League at 38 players, some movement on the exit front is expected at Chelsea.
Chelsea agreeing a £52m deal for Maxence Lacroix provides Xabi Alonso with a player in a position that he was desperate to strengthen, but it immediately creates a need for departures.
Lacroix joins an already bloated central defensive department, which already has around seven central defender. And the fact that Xabi Alonso has been playing a 4-2-3-1 formation shows that there may only be room for four or five central defenders in his squad this season.
Plus, to stay compliant with financial regulations and free up squad space, Chelsea must now actively generate funds through player sales.
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Chelsea make a U-turn on Benoit Badiashile
Chelsea fans were genuinely caught off guard by the club’s original stance on Benoit Badiashile.
As Ben Jacobs shared this before Xabi Alonso’s arrival: “Badiashile, they’ve always rated. So every time people ask me about Badiashile, I’ve always been told that his development’s on track and as a consequence, I think there’s a realistic chance that he just stays even if he’s not starting every game.”
However, it seems as if Alonso has made a decision on the central defender, with The Times claiming that Chelsea are hoping to move on Badiashile, as well as Axel Disasi.
Since arriving from Monaco for £35m in January 2023, the defender has struggled to cement a permanent starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
Last season was particularly difficult for the Frenchman, as he logged just 471 Premier League minutes across eight appearances. Hampered by fitness issues and intense competition in Chelsea’s crowded backline, he found himself firmly on the periphery, leading the club to reconsider his long-term future.
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