Chelsea star Benoit Badiashile helped the Blues beat Manchester United to the signing of Axel Disasi in the summer transfer window. Both Premier League clubs attempted to sign the centre-back but Chelsea won the race, sealing a £39million agreement with Monaco.
Disasi has revealed that he spoke to his former Monaco team-mate Badiashile before deciding his future. Badiashile only signed for Chelsea in January but offered his friend a glowing reference for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Chelsea ultimately beat United to the signing of the 25-year-old centre-back. Disasi has played every minute of the Premier League season so far, but is yet to feature alongside his injured colleague Badiashile.
“I had some questions about the group and he turned round and straight away said it’s one of really good quality,” Disasi told Chelsea’s website.
“He told me about the project, and even though it’s a project, it’s still a really good side. He also said how he had already been convinced by the project and how everything was going well for him.
“Since I’ve arrived, everything he’s said has been true. Yeah, it’s been a little bit shaky but it is a project and I’m in the same boat as him now, as from everything I’ve seen since the start of the season, it’s been really encouraging.”
Wide-ranging reports claim that United came close to signing Disasi in the summer. Erik ten Hag was desperate to strengthen his defensive options having struggled for consistency in their own third last season.
Harry Maguire’s potential departure was set to fund the addition of a new centre-back. United had already spent heavily on their midfield and attack, acquiring Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund for a combined fee of nearly £130m.
However, Maguire chose to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place, despite seemingly falling to fourth-choice centre-back in Ten Hag’s thinking. An injury crisis at the Mancunian side has seen the England international make four appearances this term.
United were unable to sign Disasi, leaving the path clear for Chelsea to swoop in for the Frenchman. He scored on his debut against Liverpool and has since been an ever-present figure in the English top-flight.
Disasi is yet to feature alongside former Monaco colleague Badiashile. The 22-year-old, who also joined the Blues from Monaco, suffered a setback in his comeback from a long-term groin injury when he picked up a hamstring problem towards the end of September.
