As Xabi Alonso’s arrival draws closer, we are starting to see more and more decisions come out involving the current Chelsea squad, with Benoit Badiashile the latest.
Benoit Badiashile endured a stop-start 2025/26 campaign at Chelsea, heavily disrupted by an injury-delayed start to the season.
Once he returned, the French defender made sporadic appearances across all competitions, primarily serving as a rotation option at best.
His limited minutes were largely due to intense competition within Chelsea’s centre-back department, despite Levi Colwill’s injury. Trevoh Chalobah was the Blues’ most heavily utilised central defender, frequently partnering a fully fit Wesley Fofana.
Additionally, the Blues, when fit, have good depth Colwill and summer signing Jorrel Hato impressing towards the end of the season. And that’s without including Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr.
What did you think of Nicolas Jackson’s performance against France?🤔
He hit the post and scored an offside goal!
Benoit Badiashile to stay at Chelsea
Speaking on the London Is Blue podcast, Ben Jacobs issued an update on Benoit Badiashile’s situation at Stamford Bridge, with many thinking he’s set for the exit.
However, Jacobs says Chelsea are still happy with Badiashile and believe that he’s on track in terms of his development.
“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.”
Starting to think England have called up the wrong player?🤔
Benoit Badiashile doesn’t need to be at Chelsea
Benoit Badiashile is increasingly looking surplus to requirements at Chelsea, despite what Xabi Alonso may believe.
Chelsea’s sporting directors have prioritised the acquisition of a starting-level centre-back ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The club has engaged in active internal talks regarding a move for Crystal Palace’s standout defender Maxence Lacroix, but he’s not the only target.
With Alonso planning a defensive rebuild to fit his system, Badiashile could find himself simply just running down his contract rather than actually getting minutes.
After all, Calum McFarlane didn’t play him once during his stint as Chelsea’s interim boss, with his last start coming back in January.
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