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Lyon’s Defensive Dilemma Sparks Move for Axel Disasi

Credit to L’Equipe for reporting the latest developments surrounding Lyon’s urgent search for a central defender.

Lyon face a critical January as Clinton Mata and Moussa Niakhaté prepare to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. Losing both centre backs between 21 December and 18 January leaves Paulo Fonseca without his starting pairing and with a season that still hangs delicately in the balance. As L’Equipe put it, the club are looking for “a central defender in January to compensate for the departures of Niakhaté and Mata to the AFCON.”

Transfer Options Under Review

The club have already explored attacking reinforcement through the loan of Endrick, yet the standout defensive target is Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. Talks have taken place for several days with the 27 year old, a player capped five times for France and under contract with Chelsea until 2029. As L’Equipe note, he has been “sidelined at the Blues”, creating an opportunity for a loan move.

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Fitness Concerns

However, the situation is complicated by Disasi’s lack of game time. He has not played for Chelsea this season and any club securing him would need to rebuild his rhythm. L’Equipe report that Lyon remain uncertain, stating that “Fonseca needs a player who can perform immediately.”

Short Term Needs vs Long Term Prospects

While a loan until summer is possible, Disasi is also assessing more attractive permanent options. Lyon must weigh whether a defender needing time to recover sharpness can truly stabilise their back line during a congested and unforgiving period.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

Lyon supporters will feel concerned reading this update, because the timing could not be worse for a squad already stretched. The AFCON window has hurt many European clubs before, but losing both starting centre backs simultaneously is one of the harshest blows a team can suffer. Fans will be excited by the ambition shown in moving for a France international, yet there is undeniable scepticism around Disasi’s condition. A defender who has not played a minute for Chelsea this season invites questions rather than assurances.

There will be frustration too. Lyon’s rise under Paulo Fonseca has brought genuine optimism, so relying on a defender needing to regain match sharpness may feel like a gamble with high stakes. Supporters may also be shocked by the suggestion that Disasi prefers permanent moves elsewhere, which risks Lyon becoming a short term stop rather than a priority destination.

Still, there is expectation that the club will act. Lyon cannot begin January with a patched back line, and fans will demand a solution that provides consistency rather than compromise. Whether that is Disasi or another target, the next ten days will define the mood heading into the new year.