Chelsea FC is putting at least five centre-backs on the transfer market ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi headlining the clearance sale.
New manager Xabi Alonso wants a leaner defensive unit, reportedly preferring just four to five centre-backs rather than the bloated contingent Chelsea has been carrying. The club is reportedly targeting around £90 million in combined revenue from sales of Disasi, Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah.
The football economics behind the firesale
Badiashile arrived from Monaco in 2023 for £35 million. He’s now reportedly the subject of a loan-to-buy offer from Napoli in Serie A.
Disasi and Chalobah round out the trio of high-profile departures, though the club intends to move at least two more centre-backs beyond those three. Alonso’s stated preference is for a compact squad of four to five centre-backs to foster cohesion and clearer roles.
