Crystal Palace Set to Sign Axel Disasi on Loan from Chelsea

Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal to take Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea, with the defender set for a medical on Friday ahead of a season-long move.

The France international, part of Chelsea’s so‑called “bomb squad” of unwanted first-team players, rebuilt his reputation during a strong loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season. The Hammers went down, but Disasi’s stock went up. His form in a struggling side drew plenty of interest across the summer window.

Back in January, Disasi had already turned down several escape routes from Stamford Bridge before finally agreeing to join West Ham. That decision paid off for him, if not for the club. West Ham have since explored a permanent deal, only to see the path blocked by their London rivals.

Palace, preparing for their first campaign under new head coach Pierre Sage, have moved decisively. With Maxence Lacroix sold to Chelsea earlier in the summer for £52million, the need for a proven centre-back has grown more urgent by the week.

Coach's Comments

Sage did little to hide that priority when asked on Thursday whether a central defender would arrive before the window shuts.

“Yes. We need a player in this department, a player with a lot of games, if possible, in the Premier League,” he said. “We need players, but we need a leader and that's why we need to wait a little bit to find a good one.”

Pressed directly on whether that leader could be Disasi, Sage kept his cards close but did not dismiss the idea. “He's a player from Chelsea,” he replied.

If Palace get this over the line, they will have taken a key piece off Chelsea’s surplus list and, at the same time, beaten West Ham to the defender who tried to keep them in the division only a few months ago.