Crystal Palace have moved swiftly to reinforce their defensive ranks, announcing the season-long loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea. The deal, confirmed on the club's official channels, does not reportedly include an option or obligation to buy at the end of the campaign.

The French centre-half first arrived at Stamford Bridge in August 2023 on a six-year contract, making 61 appearances in Chelsea blue. However, he has spent spells of the last two seasons out on loan, joining Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign before a similar temporary stint at West Ham last term after falling out of favour under the Blues' management.

Disasi was not part of Chelsea's squad for Monday's 3-2 Premier League opener against Fulham, and now heads to Selhurst Park as the Conference League winners prepare for a maiden Europa League campaign following their continental triumph in 2025-26.

"I'm very happy. The club has been going in a very good direction, so I think it was the right place for me to keep going," Disasi told the club's website. "I know that it's very tough to play against Palace at Selhurst Park – so I'm looking forward to being on the other side now!"

The move arrives at a crucial moment for new boss Pierre Sage, whose side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Everton in their season opener on Saturday, a game that saw defender Chadi Riad stretchered off. The Eagles face Manchester City next on Friday as they search for their first win of the new campaign.