Italian giants Juventus are reportedly preparing a January move for Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile, who has struggled for game time under head coach Enzo Maresca.
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Chelsea secured Badiashile’s signature for £35 million from AS Monaco in January 2023, but the French international has yet to cement himself as a first-team regular. This season, Badiashile has only featured once in the Premier League and often finds himself confined to the bench.
Juventus, grappling with a defensive crisis following long-term injuries to Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal, are eager to strengthen their backline in the upcoming transfer window. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turin club sees Badiashile as a potential solution and is considering both loan and permanent options.
Despite playing 41 matches for Chelsea since his arrival, Badiashile has faced criticism, including from former Blues defender William Gallas. Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas questioned the player’s Premier League credentials:
“I watched Badiashile at Monaco two years ago and didn’t think he was suited for the Premier League. He has quality, but not at this level. I was surprised when Chelsea signed him, and now he’s stuck on the bench.”
Badiashile signed a lengthy seven-and-a-half-year contract when he joined Chelsea, but his role in the squad has diminished under Maresca. The Italian manager has favored a center-back pairing of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, leaving Badiashile on the periphery.
Juventus, now led by manager Thiago Motta, have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their Serie A campaign, trailing leaders Napoli by just two points after 12 matches. With their defensive ranks stretched thin, Badiashile’s potential arrival could further bolster their title ambitions.
As January approaches, Chelsea must decide whether to offload the 22-year-old defender or provide him a pathway to more consistent minutes at Stamford Bridge.
