Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign French defender Axel Disasi on loan, with the experienced centre back undergoing his medical as the final stages of the transfer are completed.
The proposed move will see Palace pay Chelsea a loan fee while also taking responsibility for Disasi’s salary during his spell at Selhurst Park. The agreement is understood to be a straight loan without a purchase option, meaning the French international is expected to return to Stamford Bridge when the season ends unless a separate permanent agreement is reached later.
Disasi’s medical represents the next major step before the clubs exchange the final documents and formally complete the transfer. If everything goes according to plan, the 28 year old will become an important addition to a Palace defence that has undergone significant changes during the summer transfer window.
The Eagles have been searching for defensive reinforcements following the departures of key centre backs. Marc Guehi has moved to Manchester City, while Maxence Lacroix has also left Palace for Chelsea. That situation has increased the need for an experienced defender capable of stepping into the Premier League immediately.
Disasi fits that profile.
Standing at around 1.91 metres, the Frenchman provides considerable physical presence in the heart of defence. He is particularly strong in aerial situations and has experience playing both as a central defender and, when required, at right back. Chelsea describe him as an intelligent reader of the game with the versatility to operate in different defensive positions.
His career, however, has not followed a completely straightforward path.
Born in Gonesse, in the Paris region of France, on March 11, 1998, Disasi developed through the Paris FC academy before joining Reims. His professional journey began in France’s second tier, and he had to overcome several setbacks before establishing himself at the highest level.
One of the defining moments of his early career came when Reims initially decided against offering him a professional contract. Disasi later recalled being disappointed by the decision, but he returned from a family trip to Congo determined to prove himself. His attitude changed, he impressed during pre season, scored in the opening match and eventually secured the professional contract he had been hoping for.
That breakthrough became the foundation for everything that followed.
Disasi helped Reims win promotion to Ligue 1 during the 2017/18 campaign before establishing himself as a regular in the French top flight. His performances attracted the attention of Monaco, who signed him in August 2020.
At Monaco, Disasi developed from a promising young defender into one of the club’s leaders. He made 129 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals, and was eventually appointed vice captain. During his time in the principality, Monaco finished in the top three of Ligue 1 in consecutive seasons and reached the 2021 Coupe de France final.
His progress also earned him international recognition.
Disasi was selected by France for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He made his senior international debut against Tunisia during the tournament, becoming the first France debutant at a World Cup since 1966. He subsequently made two further appearances as Didier Deschamps’ side reached the final before losing to Argentina on penalties.
Chelsea subsequently moved to secure his services.
The London club signed Disasi from Monaco in August 2023 on a six year contract after he had established himself as one of France’s leading defenders. Chelsea highlighted his extensive Ligue 1 experience and international pedigree when announcing the transfer.
His recent career has subsequently involved a series of loan moves.
Disasi spent part of the 2024/25 campaign with Aston Villa before joining West Ham in the second half of the 2025/26 season. At West Ham, he made 17 appearances and started 16 of those matches, giving him valuable Premier League experience despite the club’s eventual relegation.
The move to Crystal Palace therefore represents another opportunity for Disasi to establish himself in English football.
Rather than simply providing squad depth, Palace will hope his experience can help stabilise a defence that has lost important players. His physical strength, Premier League knowledge and experience at international level could make him a valuable asset for the Eagles throughout the campaign.
For Chelsea, meanwhile, the arrangement offers a practical solution for a player who has struggled to secure a regular role. Reports indicate that Disasi has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge and was not given a squad number for the new season. A loan move allows him to play regular football while Chelsea reduce their immediate wage commitments.
The absence of a permanent purchase option is also significant.
Palace will have the opportunity to assess Disasi in their own environment without committing to a long term transfer. Chelsea, meanwhile, retain control of his future and could revisit the situation next summer depending on his performances.
For Disasi, the priority is much simpler.
He needs football.
At 28, the French defender is entering an important stage of his career. His background shows that he has already overcome difficult moments to reach the highest level, from being rejected for a professional contract at an early stage to representing France at a World Cup.
A successful season at Crystal Palace could provide another turning point.
If he can rediscover the consistency and leadership that made him a key figure at Monaco, Disasi could become one of Palace’s most important defensive players and potentially reignite his ambitions of returning to the international stage.
For Palace supporters, the arrival of a World Cup finalist with extensive Premier League experience represents an intriguing addition to the squad.
The medical is now the final major hurdle.
Once the paperwork is completed, Axel Disasi will begin another chapter in his career, this time hoping that Selhurst Park can provide the stability and regular football needed to remind English football why Chelsea invested heavily in him three years ago.
