Maxence Lacroix leaves the writing on the wall for 3 Chelsea defenders
Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea from Crystal Palace. He has already agreed terms, and the Blues and the Eagles are in talks over the deal. Lacroix has been a star defender for Palace and helped them win the FA Cup, Community Shield and Europa Conference League.
Lacroix’s form earned him a place in the France squad for the World Cup. He featured in one group stage match, which was a 4-1 win over Norway. He was then brought on to replace the injured William Saliba against Spain in the semi-finals. Les Bleus went on to lose 2-0 to the eventual champions.
The Palace defender then played 90 minutes against England in the third-place playoff. That match was won 6-4 by the Three Lions. However, you cannot look too much into it. Neither side wanted to play in the game, and it went on to be in the style of a testimonial match.
If Chelsea gets the deal over the line, it will no doubt strengthen Xabi Alonso’s defence. Locroix will likely start alongside Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, or Wesley Fofana. This could be in a back four or a back three, as Alonso can play either formation. However, it would leave a few Blues players surplus to requirements.
3 Chelsea defenders need to seek pastures new
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo played in just 16 Premier League games for Chelsea last season. He has never really lived up to expectations since he arrived from Fulham in 2024. Adarabioyo does not appear to be trusted in big games. Despite playing every minute for the Blues in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Europa Conference League and FA Cup, Adarabioyo was then left on the bench in the finals.
Adarabioyo is 28, so he should be in his prime and playing regularly. He is a leader who has worn the captain’s armband for Chelsea in early rounds of cup competitions. The most likely destination for the defender is Como, where he would play under former Blues player Cesc Fabregas. Serie A is known for being a very defensive division, so Adarabioyo should be in his element there.
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah is another defender who has been linked with Como. Inter Milan also showed interest in Chalobah earlier in the transfer window. He was a solid defender for the Blues last season and played in 34 Premier League games. However, he was surprisingly left out against tough opposition such as Liverpool.
Chalobah’s form earned him a call-up for the England squad at the World Cup after Tino Livramento got injured. However, he only featured as a late substitute against France in the third-place playoff. Chalobah could form a solid partnership with Adarabioyo if Fabregas brings them both to Como. Chalobah can also play right-back, which makes him a versatile option.
Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi impressed on loan at West Ham United for the second half of last season. However, he was unable to prevent the Hammers from being relegated to the Championship. He has returned to Chelsea, but is still expected to depart the club.
Disasi was frozen out before he joined the Hammers. West Ham still wants to sign him, but Disasi was only open to joining them permanently if they kept their place in the Premier League. He has also been linked with Leeds United and Benfica.
His next club is uncertain, but it appears clear that he does not have a future at Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso could offer him a fresh start, as he is still contracted to Chelsea until 2029. However, with the expected arrival of Lacroix, it is unlikely that Disasi will get regular minutes.
Follow
