Crystal Palace Nears Loan Deal for Chelsea Defender Axel Disasi

Crystal Palace are closing in on a loan move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, in what would be a significant late-window boost for Pierre Sage’s first season in charge.

The Frenchman is expected to undergo a medical on Friday ahead of a season-long switch, with all parties now working to finalise the deal.

Disasi rebuilt his reputation during a strong loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season. The Hammers went down, but the 26-year-old emerged with credit, attracting a queue of suitors on the back of his form and experience.

Back in January, he had turned down several escape routes from Stamford Bridge. Part of Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad”, Disasi waited for the right move before eventually choosing West Ham to secure regular football.

West Ham then pushed to keep him permanently this summer. They explored a full transfer, only to see London rivals Palace move into pole position as Sage remodels his squad for his debut campaign in the Premier League.

Defensive Needs

For Palace, the move answers an obvious question in the heart of defence. The club sold Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea earlier in the window for around £52million, leaving a gap both in numbers and in leadership at centre-back.

Sage did not hide the need when he faced the media on Thursday.

“Yes. We need a player in this department, a player with a lot of games, if possible, in the Premier League,” he said when asked about signing a central defender before the deadline. “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 on whether that leader could be Disasi, the Palace manager kept his cards close to his chest.

“He's a player from Chelsea,” Sage replied.

If the final details fall into place, that description will not hold for much longer.