Badiashile from Chelsea to Napoli

Rome (AFP) – French defender Benoît Badiashile has moved from English club Chelsea to Napoli on a loan deal with an option to buy, according to the announcement made by last season’s Italian Serie A runners-up on Saturday.

The southern club stated in a press release: “Napoli announces the acquisition of Benoît Badiashile on loan from Chelsea, with an option to purchase.”

The 25-year-old center-back joined Chelsea in January 2023 from his parent club, Monaco, for a fee of 37 million euros.

Badiashile made 71 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, scoring two goals, but featured in only eight Premier League matches last season due to various physical issues.

He joins a side that was crowned Italian champions in 2025 and finished second last season behind Inter Milan.

Napoli also underwent changes in its coaching staff during the off-season, with Antonio Conte departing after being worn down by the environment surrounding the club, and Massimiliano Allegri replacing him.