Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi is facing an uncertain future as Saudi Arabian side Neom SC submit a fresh bid to sign him. The 25-year-old is no longer in Enzo Maresca‘s plans at Stamford Bridge, but efforts to offload him before Europe’s deadline fell short, leaving the club and player with limited options.
According to sources close to the situation, Neom have returned with a lowball offer of €20 million, hoping to take advantage of Chelsea’s urgency to sell. Disasi had previously been linked with Premier League clubs Bournemouth and West Ham, as well as a potential loan return to Monaco. However, none of those moves materialised before the window closed.
Neom have already added several French-speaking players to their squad this summer, including Alexandre Lacazette, Marcin Bulka, and Nathan Zézé and see Disasi as an ideal fit for their evolving project. The Saudi club view the France international as a tactical and cultural match for their long-term ambitions.
Axel Disasi reluctant over Saudi switch despite limited options
Despite interest from Neom, Disasi is reportedly hesitant to leave Europe. The defender would prefer to join a club in a top European league and is believed to favour a move to Turkey if a suitable offer emerges. However, with most transfer windows now shut, the clock is ticking on his chances of securing a deal that aligns with his preferences.
His situation is further complicated by Chelsea’s internal issues. The club are open to selling him but want closer to €30 million, a figure Neom are unwilling to match. With Disasi not in Chelsea’s first-team plans, and limited options remaining, both parties may be forced to compromise.
Chelsea’s summer strategy leaves Disasi sidelined
Disasi’s marginalisation comes after Chelsea’s squad decisions limited his mobility. A potential move to Monaco was blocked when Nicolas Jackson occupied the club’s final foreign loan slot, while late Premier League interest failed to turn into concrete deals.
Now facing months without football, Disasi must decide whether to accept a move that doesn’t fully align with his ambitions or remain at Cobham as an outcast. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether he opts for playing time or patience.
Neom SC building with French-speaking core
Neom’s strategy has focused on creating a cohesive, French-speaking core, and Disasi’s profile ticks multiple boxes for the club. While their current offer may not meet Chelsea’s valuation, their project could become more appealing to the player if no European alternatives arise.
Chelsea’s willingness to offload Disasi is clear, but unless Neom improve their bid or Disasi softens his stance, a deal remains uncertain. The standoff highlights the complex dynamics of late-window transfers, especially when player ambitions and club finances collide.
