Wolverhampton Wanderers are entering the latter stages of the summer transfer window with defensive reinforcements a clear priority.
After finishing 16th in the Premier League last season, Wolves have undergone significant squad turnover, including the departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.
Cunha-Manchester-United
The club’s defensive frailties were evident at the start of the current campaign, with two defeats already recorded - a 4-0 home loss to Manchester City and a 1-0 away defeat at Bournemouth.
Manager Vitor Pereira, who replaced Gary O’Neil mid-season last year and oversaw a dramatic improvement in results, is looking to bolster his backline.
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Wolves already have a group of centre-backs, including Toti, Agbadou, Bueno, and Mosquera, but the club is keen to bring in an experienced figure capable of commanding the defence.
The club has been active in other areas of the squad as well, signing Fer López from Celta de Vigo, John Arias from Fluminense, Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona, and David Møller Wolfe from AZ Alkmaar.
Wolves exploring centre-back option
These additions are aimed at adding depth and versatility, but strengthening the centre of defence remains a pressing need, especially after the summer departures of veteran Craig Dawson and other senior players.
According to Caught Offside, Wolves are actively exploring a move for Axel Disasi whose situation has attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Alongside Bournemouth, Wolves are among the teams showing the strongest interest.
Chelsea, the player’s current club, are reportedly asking for around £30m to sanction a transfer.
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The 27-year-old defender has struggled to establish himself at Chelsea since arriving from Monaco in 2023 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he failed to make a significant impact.
His departure would follow a summer exodus that has seen Chelsea offload players including Noni Madueke, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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Talks have already begun with Wolves considering creative structures for the deal, including performance-based bonuses, in an attempt to complete the transfer without exceeding their budget constraints.
Should the move go through, it would mark a significant addition to the Wolves defence, which has already shown signs of vulnerability in the early stages of the season.
What Disasi could bring to Wolves
Disasi is a 1.91m French centre-back under contract with Chelsea until 2029 and has earned five caps for the national team.
Last season, he made 17 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring twice and providing two assists.
His loan spell at Aston Villa yielded ten appearances, including three in the Champions League, though it was largely underwhelming.
Axel Disasi - 2024/25
Matches Played
Starts
Tackles
Blocks
Aerial Duals Won
% of Aerials Won
Source: FBref
Despite these challenges, Disasi possesses attributes that could make him a perfect fit for Wolves’ current setup. According to FBref, he ranks in the 94th percentile for pass completion rate (87.9%) and the 89th percentile for aerials won per 90 minutes (1.56), demonstrating both composure on the ball and dominance in the air.
These qualities are crucial for Wolves as they look to build a defence that can manage possession and withstand the pressure of Premier League attacks.
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The move for Disasi also mirrors the profile of former Wolves centre-back Craig Dawson, who left the club in the summer.
Dawson, who played 61 times for Wolves after joining from West Ham in 2023, offered leadership, aerial strength, and reliability.
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Disasi has the potential to fill a similar role, providing defensive stability while also offering the technical skills to contribute to the team’s build-up play.
Wolves’ defensive woes last season highlighted the need for a player who can combine tactical intelligence with physical presence.
"Dominant" in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, Disasi’s height and aerial ability give him an advantage in both defensive duels and set-piece situations.
Additionally, his passing range allows him to initiate attacks from the back, complementing Pereira’s tactical approach, which relies on structured defensive organisation paired with progressive ball movement.
Moreover, the potential acquisition of Disasi would provide competition and depth for the existing centre-backs.
While Toti, Agbadou, Bueno, and Mosquera are available, none combine Premier League experience, international pedigree, and the same level of physical dominance that Disasi can offer.
This could be pivotal for Wolves in the event of injuries, fixture congestion, or tactical adjustments required in high-profile matches.
From a financial standpoint, Wolves’ consideration of performance-based bonuses demonstrates an intent to balance investment with fiscal responsibility.
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Chelsea’s £30m valuation is significant but justified given Disasi’s age, contract length, and potential resale value.
If the deal goes through, it could be a shrewd acquisition, potentially solidifying the backline for years to come while ensuring the club remains competitive at both ends of the pitch.
Tactically, Disasi’s ability to play out from the back will be a key asset. Wolves’ style under Pereira often involves building from deep, and having a centre-back who is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and distributing accurately can influence the team’s overall tempo.
In this sense, he could play a role similar to Dawson, but with added technical capacity and potential upside given his age and international experience.
Integrating a player of Disasi’s could also signal Wolves’ intent to stabilise their defensive unit after a challenging start to the season and position the club as a more credible mid-table contender or higher.