Leeds United’s prospects of landing Chelsea defender Axel Disasi have received a significant boost following a series of tactical shifts at Stamford Bridge.
With the transfer window nearing its close, Daniel Farke is facing a defensive dilemma after Jaka Bijol suffered an injury that could sideline him for several weeks. While this creates an opening for Sebastiaan Bornauw to prove himself, the Whites are reportedly exploring the market for a more experienced reinforcement to aid their battle against relegation.
The “Anselmino Effect”
The primary catalyst for a potential deal is Chelsea’s decision to recall 20-year-old Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. According to David Ornstein, the young Argentine is returning to London to be integrated into the squad.
The arrival of Anselmino effectively crowds the Chelsea backline, making Disasi’s departure far more likely:
- The Pecking Order: Anselmino, who gained valuable experience in the Bundesliga this season, is expected to jump ahead of Disasi in Liam Rosenior’s plans.
- The “Bomb Squad”: Disasi has spent much of the campaign frozen out of the first-team picture. Although he has recently returned to training, his path to Premier League minutes remains blocked.
- Squad Depth: Chelsea likely retained the former Monaco man as injury insurance, but Anselmino’s return renders Disasi surplus to requirements.
Experience for the Relegation Fight
While the link to Disasi might not be the most high-profile rumor for Leeds fans, the 26-year-old would bring a wealth of top-flight and international experience to Elland Road.
For a Leeds side facing an increasingly grueling scrap at the bottom of the table, Disasi offers a reliable, battle-tested option to fill the void left by Bijol. With Chelsea now seemingly ready to let him go, the door is wide open for the 49ers to finalize a deal before the deadline.
Current Defensive Outlook
| Player | Status | Impact on Leeds |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Jaka Bijol | Injured | Out for multiple weeks; creates a vacancy. |
| Aaron Anselmino | Recalled | Chelsea’s new focus; makes Disasi available. |
| Axel Disasi | Target | Experienced depth; likely to leave Stamford Bridge. |
