By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK, August 20, 2026 - Crystal Palace have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea to sign Axel Disasi on loan, with the French defender now undergoing his medical as he closes in on a move to Selhurst Park.
The agreement was first reported by RMC Sport and has since been confirmed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The deal is understood to be a season-long loan, with Palace paying Chelsea a loan fee. The South London club will also cover Disasi's salary for the duration of the move.
Disasi's medical is the next major step before the transfer can be formally completed.
Crystal Palace have been forced to reshape their defence after a significant summer of departures.
The club lost Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea and also saw Marc Guéhi leave for Manchester City, creating a need for additional experience at centre-back. Disasi has consequently emerged as an attractive solution for Palace as they prepare for the new campaign.
The 28-year-old brings considerable Premier League experience to the squad, having previously spent time with Chelsea, Aston Villa and West Ham.
Palace's decision to pursue another loan rather than immediately negotiate a permanent transfer also gives the club flexibility while addressing an immediate need in defence.
Disasi's difficult Chelsea spell#
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in August 2023 for a reported £38.5 million and initially established himself as an important member of the first-team squad. He made his Chelsea debut against Liverpool and scored in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
However, his position at Stamford Bridge deteriorated over time.
After falling out of favour, Disasi spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa, where he made a number of important appearances during Villa's push for European football.
He subsequently returned to Chelsea but was again moved out on loan, joining West Ham United in February 2026 for the remainder of the season.
His latest move to Palace therefore represents his third consecutive Premier League loan spell.
Despite his struggles at Chelsea, Disasi remains an experienced defender with qualities that can benefit Palace.
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The Frenchman is comfortable operating at centre-back and has the physical profile required for Premier League football. His previous experience in England means he should not require a lengthy adaptation period.
For Disasi, the transfer provides an opportunity to establish himself at another Premier League club rather than remain outside Chelsea's plans.
Reports indicate that he had been without a squad number at Chelsea for the new season and was not part of the club's plans under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea get another player off the books#
From Chelsea's perspective, the agreement allows the club to move another surplus player out of the first-team group while receiving a loan fee and having Palace take responsibility for his wages.
Disasi remains under contract at Stamford Bridge beyond this season, meaning Chelsea will retain control over his long-term future.
The absence of a reported purchase option is notable. Current reports describe the agreement as a straight loan, meaning Palace are not committing to a permanent transfer at this stage.
With the clubs having reached their agreement and Disasi now undergoing his medical, the transfer is at an advanced stage.
Assuming the medical is completed successfully and the final documentation is signed, Disasi will become a Crystal Palace player for the 2026/27 season.
For Palace, it is an important defensive addition while for Chelsea, it represents another step in reshaping a squad containing several players who have fallen outside the first-team plans.
And for Disasi, it is another chance to rebuild his Premier League career.