Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed he will hold discussions with Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, who have been left in limbo at Stamford Bridge as part of the club’s so-called “bomb squad.”

The 41-year-old Englishman, who replaced Enzo Maresca last week, joined Chelsea mid-season from Strasbourg, a club that shares ownership with the Blues. Rosenior is working through a list of priorities, with Sterling and Disasi high on his agenda.

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Sterling and Disasi: Status at Chelsea

Sterling and Disasi joined Chelsea during the 2023–24 season for £47.5m and £38.5m respectively. Despite their high-profile arrivals, both players have been training separately from the main squad, on a different pitch and in a different building.

Both remain transfer-listed, having turned down potential loan moves over the summer. Rosenior said:

“I will have conversations with them. We’re in January, as you know. Raheem’s had an outstanding career. I’ve got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I’ve really liked as a player for a long time. Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club… I will do it in the next few days.”

Sterling is reportedly attracting interest from Napoli, while Roma and Lyon have explored a move for Disasi. Chelsea face logistical challenges, as FIFA rules limit the club to six overseas loan players, meaning one player would need to be recalled for the pair to move temporarily.

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Rosenior’s Early Assessment and Transfer Strategy

Chelsea have had a slow start to January amid the managerial change. Rosenior’s approach differs from his predecessor Maresca, who fell out with the club hierarchy, prompting his unplanned exit.

Rosenior stated:

“The first conversation I had with the club hierarchy was I want to assess the most important players, which are the ones who are here. Normally, you get good surprises if you give people a chance. I had some really good performances in the game against Charlton. Yes, we’re in January, and yes, we want the club to be as successful as possible in the short term. But sometimes the answers lie within the building, not outside.”

While January activity has been limited, Chelsea plan to pursue significant signings in the summer, when their preferred targets are expected to become available.

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Potential Transfer Targets and Squad Planning

Chelsea have explored a range of options to strengthen the squad:

• High-quality attackers, previously including Antoine Semenyo (who joined Manchester City)
• Centre-backs such as Dean Huijsen (later moved to Real Madrid)
• Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet
• Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz
• St Etienne striker Djylian N’Guessan, a target for sister club Strasbourg
• Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, potentially considered if Romeo Lavia struggles with injury

Other squad adjustments under consideration include:

• Back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, currently evaluating his options
• Academy graduate Tyrique George, available after a failed £22m move to Fulham last summer

Chelsea remain under UEFA restrictions in January to maintain a “positive transfer balance.” These rules will ease next season with the introduction of Squad Cost Control ratios, replacing the more restrictive Profit and Sustainability regulations.

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Planned Summer Signings

Chelsea have already lined up several players for next season, including:

• £40m Geovany Quenda (Sporting winger)
• Emanuel Emegha (Strasbourg striker)
• Dastan Satapayev (Kairat forward)
• Denner Evangelista (Corinthians left-back)
• Deinner Ordonez (Independiente del Valle defender), joining in January 2028

Players currently away on loan, including Aaron Anselmino (Borussia Dortmund) and Strasbourg trio Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, remain highly regarded, with the latter three having previously played under Rosenior in France.

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Key Takeaways

• Rosenior will meet with Sterling and Disasi to discuss their future at Chelsea.
• Sterling and Disasi are training separately but could move on loan or permanent deals if FIFA rules allow.
• Chelsea are planning major summer signings, focusing on attackers, centre-backs, and midfield reinforcements.
• UEFA January restrictions limit transactions, but next season will see more flexibility under Squad Cost Control rules.

Chelsea fans can expect further clarity on Sterling and Disasi in the coming days, as Rosenior balances player management with summer transfer strategy planning.