Stranded! Which Chelsea 'bomb squad' members failed to secure transfers on deadline day?
AFNEWS reporter
Sep 02, 2025
Stranded! Which Chelsea 'bomb squad' members failed to secure transfers on deadline day?
Chelsea did some excellent business in the summer window but failed to complete crucial exits on deadline day.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Nigerian govt implements new Visa fees, policy | READ DETAILS
Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are set to remain at the club after failing to secure moves away before the transfer deadline.
READ ALSO: All You Need To Know About Kashim Shettima, Tinubu's Running Mate | READ DETAILS
The duo, who were excluded from Chelsea's victorious Fifa Club World Cup squad and trained in a separate 'bomb squad,' were unable to finalize transfers despite interest from various clubs.
Chelsea stars Sterling and Disasi fail to land deadline day moves
England forward Sterling, who is Chelsea's highest earner on a reported £325,000-a-week, spent last season on loan at Arsenal but struggled to impress.
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
While there was interest from Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen, neither club submitted a formal offer. The 30-year-old reportedly preferred a move to London to remain close to his children.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Meanwhile, French defender Disasi, 27, was also unable to secure a transfer. Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, he had hoped to return to his native Monaco.
READ ALSO: 40 years of Ministry: There have been times of betrayal - Adeboye
However, Chelsea had already used their international loan limit, with the last spot going to Nicolas Jackson in a lucrative £14.3 million loan to Bayern Munich. Disasi had domestic options with Bournemouth and West Ham, but these potential moves also fell through.
Both stars may explore moves to other leagues such as the Dutch Eredivisie, which closes on September 2, or the Turkish league window, which slams shut on September 12.
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— AFNEWS reporter