Chelsea loan 25‑year‑old Badiashile to Napoli in €4m deal

Three and a half years after leaving AS Monaco for Chelsea, 25‑year‑old French defender Benoît Badiashile has been sent on a season‑long loan to Napoli, with the Premier League club confirming the move on Saturday. The Blues’ centre‑back, who has earned two caps for France, will join the Serie A side for the campaign.

Chelsea’s ongoing player turnover

Chelsea, known for its incessant transfer activity, decided to part temporarily with the French defender. After three and a half years at the club, Badiashile never established himself as a regular starter for the Blues. During his tenure, he made limited appearances and struggled to cement a place in the starting eleven.

Loan fee and purchase option

The loan is estimated at €4 million, bonuses included. Napoli also secured an option to buy the 25‑year‑old for a reported €27 million should the club wish to make the move permanent. The €27 million purchase clause would be triggered only if Napoli elects to activate it before the loan expires.

Badiashile becomes Napoli’s second summer signing. He follows the arrival of 22‑year‑old Italian midfielder Costantino Favasuli, who joined from US Catanzaro earlier in the transfer window. Napoli aim to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the Serie A campaign, hoping Badiashile’s height and experience will add stability.

His 2025‑2026 season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to 16 matches in total. After a season disrupted by injuries, he looks to reset in Italy. He believes the change of environment will also aid his recovery from the previous season’s setbacks. Badiashile hopes the milder climate of southern Italy will lift his morale and increase his playing time.

If he can rediscover form in Naples, the defender could return to Chelsea with renewed confidence after his loan spell. Chelsea will monitor his progress closely, assessing whether he can compete for a role upon his return.