Chelsea are used to being the big dogs in matchups over the last 12 months as a result of their Conference League campaign.
The Blues were consistently coming up against sides who had far less financial resources available to them. Their semi-final opponents, Djurgarden, had a lower weekly wage bill than that of Raheem Sterling, who wasn’t even available for selection.
The same situation is set to unveil throughout the group stages of the Club World Cup, where Enzo Maresca’s side are expected to make lightwork of at least two of their opponents.
Chelsea get their tournament underway with the challenge of LAFC. The MLS side were the latest team to qualify following Leon’s dismissal.
Chelesea squad lift the trophy following Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025
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LAFC’s squad worth less than Chelsea flop Axel Disasi
They do boast a number of recognisable names. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will captain the side, while Chelsea cult hero Olivier Giroud is set to start up front.
Both are coming towards the end of their careers though, and therefore their value is not high. According to Transfermarkt, the combined market value of the LAFC squad is around £38.3m.
LAFC squad celebrate following Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
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This pales in comparison to the Chelsea squad, who Transfermarkt lists as being worth more than £1billion after the incredible spending effort from Todd Boehly and co since they came in.
Not all of those players signed have proven to be worth the investment, with many spending at least half of the 2024/25 season away from the club.
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One of those was Axel Disasi, who joined Chelsea back in 2023 for more than what the MLS side is currently worth.
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Axel Disasi’s Chelsea future
Disasi was not even included in Maresca’s Club World Cup squad, following spending the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aston Villa.
It remains pretty clear that the Frenchman is not in the club’s plans going forward, and they will be pushing for his exit this summer.
Juventus have registered interest in Disasi, with them unlikely to bring Renato Veiga back following his successful loan spell there.
With the futures of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah still uncertain, there is absolutely no chance of a Disasi return at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are going to have to count their losses on the transfer fee they paid for him.