Sources: Chelsea have new 'bomb squad' issue with two players
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Credit: Getty/Imago
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Tue 16 September 2025 11:57, UK
Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are now likely to remain at Chelsea until January after rejecting moves away, sources have told Football Insider.
Both players are part of the ‘bomb squad’ training away from the main group at the West London club, with Enzo Maresca admitting last week that he doesn’t even see them.
Chelsea had planned to offload Disasi and Sterling to the Saudi Pro League, with their transfer window not closing until 23 September.
However, sources say that a move for either player now looks unlikely, with the pair set to continue as outcasts until the January window.
Disasi looks set to stay at Chelsea (Credit Imago)
Over the summer, Disasi had interest from the likes of Bournemouth and Aston Villa, but ultimately opted to remain at Stamford Bridge.
It was a similar situation with Sterling, who refused to move out of London, greatly diminishing the pool of clubs he could join.
While Chelsea were desperate to get the pair out the door, they essentially have no power in the situation, as both are on long-term contracts with no obligation to leave.
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Maresca’s side will hope that suitable offers come in when the transfer window reopens, but if not, then Sterling and Disasi will remain on the wage bill.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are likely to land a points deduction if they are proven to have gained a sporting advantage, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues have been under investigation since BlueCo, which is spearheaded by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, took over the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.
Credit: Getty
Chelsea were charged by the FA on Thursday (11 September) with 74 alleged rule breaches relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022, while events between the 2010-11 to 2015-16 seasons are the primary focus.
If the charges are upheld, sources say the West London side’s penalty will revolve around whether it can be established they gained a sporting advantage, with a points deduction the most likely outcome should that be the case.
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