Benoit Badiashile’s future at Chelsea is increasingly uncertain, with Napoli closing in on a loan. Already, there are doubts about whether he could be a worthy signing.
Sport Witness have covered how the Italian side have taken major steps towards the Frenchman’s signature. The deal was progressing on the basis of a loan with an option to buy.
Napoli and Chelsea were expected to have a key meeting this week to iron out the final details.
Badiashile would come in as a replacement for the injured Alessandro Buongiorno. But there are fears he may not be ready.
Major doubts about fitness
Journalist Federico Casotti has spoken about the centre-back’s switch to Naples. Casotti talked about the kind of player Max Allegri is getting, as the Partenopei look to play in the Champions League.
While initially praising Badiashile, the Italian hinted at the drawbacks of a deal
He said: “He’s a physically imposing centre-back. From this point of view, his strength is his main asset, his greatest strength. He’s a player who, at Monaco, managed to develop even in the context of a typical French central defender.
“He’s a player who, however, raises questions especially about his physical fitness, because his experience at Chelsea certainly wasn’t as satisfying for him as it was when he left Monaco.”
Casotti also made it clear that he will not be a regular Napoli and he will take some time to get back to speed.
“I see him as a rotation player, and I’d be surprised if he could make an immediate impact.
“Looking back at his last few seasons, he’s played very little, so he’s clearly a player who will need to be ready when needed, considering that Napoli have the legitimate intention of having a stronger and longer run in the Champions League this year than last season, and therefore playing more games.
“In terms of the pecking order, I still see him as a second-string player.”
Our take: Player would hope to turn things around
During his time at Monaco, the 25-year-old was seen as one of the brightest defenders in France. At Chelsea, that reputation has faded and the club’s instability hasn’t done him any favours.
While he played less than 500 minutes in the Premier League last season, this is Badiashile’s chance at getting things back on track.
He is still at the right age and just needs to play regularly. Buongiorno is out for the next few months but even generally, the Italy man hasn’t impressed in the last few months.
This shows that if Badiashile gets his fitness on track, he could yet become a reliable player in Italy.
Sportwitness
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