Chelsea have officially announced the signing of France International defender Axel Disasi from the Ligue 1 side Monaco.
The 25-year-old veteran centre-back has agreed to a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge according to the club’s official report.
Axel has consistently demonstrated his talent in France for multiple seasons, which has rightfully earned him recognition at the international level.
The defender has joined Mauricio Pochettino’s backline and has been warmly received at Stamford Bridge by co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are delighted that he is ready to take the next step in his career, which will be with Chelsea. We extend a warm welcome to him as he joins our club.”
“We eagerly anticipate his integration with Mauricio Pochettino and his new teammates in the upcoming days.”
If Wesley Fofana hadn’t been recently injured, Chelsea wouldn’t have acquired Disasi.
The former Leicester defender recently underwent knee surgery and is anticipated to be unavailable for a significant part of the upcoming season.
The French international Disasi will now compete with veteran defender Thiago Silva, his former Monaco colleague Benoit Badiashile, and academy products Levi Colwill and Bashir Humphreys for slots at the back.
Disasi began his career in Ligue 2 at Paris FC and Reims, where he progressed through the ranks. He achieved promotion with Reims and subsequently transferred to Monaco.
In his final campaign with Monaco, Disasi made a surprising impact by contributing six goals and four assists in all competitions.
This impressive attacking performance from a center-back is certainly what Pochettino desires.
The Chelsea boss, Pochettino has been utilizing a back-four formation during pre-season, and given his preference for an aggressive defensive line, Disasi’s addition appears to be a more suitable fit for the right-sided position.
Without any European competition at Chelsea, the competition for playtime will undoubtedly be intense. However, Disasi possesses all the necessary attributes to swiftly contend for a starting position.
Who is Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi (born 16 March 1998) is a French professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Premier League club Chelsea and the France national team.
Disasi’s defensive skill
The four-cap international possesses a powerful build and excels in winning aerial battles and physical duels.
Additionally, he demonstrates great comfort and skill when in possession of the ball, showcasing quick footwork.
Disasi possesses the ability to confidently move forward from the defensive position.
He also demonstrates strong passing skills, especially in terms of effectively switching the play to a different side of the field.
He possesses impressive speed, and his record of only three bookings in 38 league games last season highlights his ability to tackle cleanly and effectively.
Axel Disasi’s club career
Disasi, who was born in Gonesse in the Paris suburbs, began his career with Paris FC and made his debut in the French second tier in 2015.
After transferring to Reims, the centre-back played a crucial role in helping the club achieve promotion to Ligue 1 as champions by the end of the 2017/18 season.
After a successful season in Ligue 1, a decision was made to relocate to Monaco. Disasi made a total of 129 appearances in all competitions for the Monegasques, impressing France head coach Didier Deschamps with his performances.
His international career
Disasi’s selection for the 2022 World Cup marked a significant milestone, as he became the first French international debutant to play in a World Cup since 1966.
This achievement came after his appearance against Tunisia. The 25-year-old player went on to participate in two more matches during the tournament, as France advanced to the final but ultimately ended up as the second-place team.
What’s next for Chelsea?
The Blues are scheduled to begin their new Premier League campaign on Sunday, August 13th, facing Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.