Two reasons why Chelsea don’t want to sell £35m player in January

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Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana have been Chelsea’s first-choice centre-back pairing this season.

As a result, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi have seen little game time, with most of their minutes coming in cup competitions.

In the Premier League, the former has only played once, while the latter has made just one more appearance than his compatriot.

Nevertheless, it does not look like Badiashile will be leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window. Badiashile was recently linked with a move away from the club, but his employers seem to rate him highly.

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Benoit Badiashile not for sale

Badiashile is clearly a player whom Enzo Maresca can survive without as he continues to overlook the 23-year-old.

That does not mean Chelsea are going to get rid of him, though. In fact, according to journalist Kieran Gill, Badiashile is not for sale.

People inside the club want to retain the France international because of his versatility and passing range.

“Benoit Badiashile isn’t for sale,” Gill shared on X. “Chelsea rate the 23yo France defender highly. Versatility and passing range among his attributes admired internally. Considered part of long-term project.”

While Badiashile has been nowhere to be seen in the Premier League this season, he did start in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. A confrontation between Badiashile and Joelinton during the game had to be calmed down by Enzo Fernandez.

Benoit Badiashile’s versatility and passing range

Badiashile has only played at left-back a couple of times in his career, but being left-footed, perhaps Chelsea feel that he can be used there.

As for his passing range, Badiashile averaged 3.5 long balls per game back in the 2022/23 season. Thiago Silva and Fernandez were the only outfield players in Chelsea’s squad with better averages, according to WhoScored.

Badiashile does have a long pass in his locker, then, but he has not always had the chance to show that.

Since joining Chelsea from AS Monaco in a £35m deal, Badiashile has struggled to stay fit and has never managed to cement a spot in the team.