Axel Disasi has completed a €45m move to Premier League side Chelsea, becoming one of the most expensive departures in AS Monaco’s history.
Disasi’s departure had been expected this summer, and it has now come to pass. Just days after the arrival of Mohammed Salisu, who arrived from Championship side Southampton, Disasi has put an end to a three-year stay at the Principality club.
Old friends and not-so-secret admirers
The reported €45m fee received for Disasi ranks as one of the most expensive departures in Les Monégasques’ history. Kylian Mbappé remains Monaco’s most expensive departure, whilst Aurélien Tchouaméni’s move to Real Madrid last summer is still the second-most expensive transfer in the club’s history. Disasi is the joint-eighth most expensive departure. Youri Tielemans and Fabinho left for the same €45m fee, both joining Premier League sides.
Disasi becomes the second Monaco centre-back to join Chelsea this year. Benoît Badiashile joined the London club back in January for a reported €38m fee. The duo will be reunited at Stamford Bridge and could be realigned once Badiashile returns from a muscular injury.
France international Disasi will also be reunited with Laurence Stewart. The former Monaco technical director was appointed as sporting director at Chelsea in January, and his familiarity with Disasi contributed towards the centre-back’s arrival. Disasi was one of Monaco’s first signings when Stewart arrived at Monaco back in 2020.
“Here, I was able to grow as a man.”
Upon the officialisation of the transfer, Disasi pinned a letter to the Munegu faithful. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these three seasons spent at your side. I am leaving with gratitude and appreciation for everything this club has given me,” he began.
“Here, I was able to grow as a man and flourish as a player… Le Rocher will always have a special place in my heart. I am leaving with unforgettable memories and it’s thanks to you,” concluded the former Monaco vice-captain.
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Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life