Leeds expected to complete Disasi move

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Leeds expected to complete Disasi move

Leeds United are closing in on a loan deal for Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi, as they look to reinforce their rearguard for the remainder of the season. The towering 6ft 3in defender, who joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in August 2023 for a fee in the region of £38.5 million (€45 million), has struggled to secure playing time under successive managers. Despite his unquestionable physical attributes, commanding aerial prowess, well-timed interventions and the strength to dominate duels, Disasi has found himself on the periphery of Chelsea’s senior squad throughout the 2025/26 campaign and has featured almost exclusively for the club’s Under-21 side.

Leeds are yet to take advantage of the loan market this season, and aim to bolster their back line for the second half of the season. Sources suggest that talks between the two clubs have reached an advanced stage, with a loan move until the end of the season poised to bring Disasi to Elland Road. This agreement would align with Leeds’s strategy of integrating experienced, Premier League recognised talent without committing to a long-term transfer fee, while providing Disasi with an opportunity to re-establish himself at the top level.

The prospective acquisition makes strategic sense for all parties involved. Chelsea appear content to allow Disasi to gain regular first-team minutes elsewhere. For Disasi, a fresh start with a side battling for survival offers both a platform to rebuild confidence and a challenging environment in which to showcase his capabilities. Meanwhile, Leeds would add depth and physical presence to their defence, addressing an area that has seen them concede goals from set pieces and aerial situations.





Defensive duo on the mend

Leeds United have received a welcome boost ahead of the busy January schedule as defensive pair Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon returned to light training following Christmas setbacks. Rodon was forced off during the early stages of the Sunderland fixture after suffering ankle ligament damage in what was an unnecessarily robust challenge. Initial scans eleviated concerns about a lengthy layoff, and subsequent assessments have been encouraging. The Welsh International has now resumed non-contact drills. If his rehabilitation continues to progress smoothly, he could rejoin full squad sessions later this week.

Right-back Jayden Bogle has also edged closer to full fitness after overcoming a minor calf strain that ruled him out of the starting XI against Manchester United last weekend. The 25-year-old has been partaking in low-intensity training exercises throughout this week, and could vie for his place back against Fulham on Saturday week after the FA Cup tie at Derby. In the absence of Rodon and Bogle, defensive stand-ins Sebastiaan Bornauw and James Justin have impressed with consistent, composed displays at the back.

Bornauw’s aerial dominance and Justin’s transitional speed have both caught the eye, ensuring Leeds remained defensively resilient during a spell that threatened to unsettle the back line. Their assured form means the club’s medical and coaching staff can afford to take a cautious approach with Rodon and Bogle, prioritising long-term fitness over a rushed return. Bogle, in particular, has been a revelation this season. His versatility, tireless work rate and sharp attacking instincts have seen him linked with a January move to Everton.

However, Farke was unequivocal in his pre-match press conference, dismissing speculation and reaffirming his full confidence in the right-back’s commitment to Leeds: “Bogle is our player and will be our player. Not even a topic we have to speak about”. With both defenders now back on the training pitch and the rest of the squad gearing up for a string of crucial fixtures, Leeds United look better placed to navigate the congested fixture list ahead. As the Whites plot their path up the Premier League table, the timely recovery of Rodon and Bogle could prove pivotal in shoring up a back line that has already shown admirable resilience during their brief absence.