{"id":1026,"date":"2026-08-12T16:13:56","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T16:13:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1026"},"modified":"2026-08-12T16:13:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T16:13:56","slug":"bad-news-for-chelsea-as-southampton-deal-plays-havoc-with-xabi-alonsos-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1026","title":{"rendered":"Bad news for Chelsea as Southampton deal plays havoc with Xabi Alonso’s plans"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Chelsea and Xabi Alonso are keen to offload as many centre-backs as they can before the summer deadline, but Southampton are about to throw a spanner in the works.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The signing of Maxence Lacroix left Chelsea <\/a>with 11 senior centre-backs at one point, until the sale of Trevoh Chalobah to Como. The England defender has joined for a \u00a325m fee, plus \u00a35m more in add-ons.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n

Xabi Alonso only wants \u2018four or five\u2019 centre-backs next season\u2026<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Lacroix joins a list of defenders that includes Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, Aaron Anselmino, Tosin and Mamadou Sarr. Alonso<\/a> wants four or five.<\/p>\n

Colwill and Lacroix are set to start, while Fofana and Acheampong are likely to be kept. That leaves a gap for a fifth defender, but the rest are likely to be sold in the coming weeks. But one suitor has fallen away.<\/p>\n

Tosin Adarabioyo\u2019s chances of a reunion have come to an end<\/h2>\n

Earlier this week, it was claimed that experienced defender Tosin was a target for Benfica<\/a>. A reunion was on the cards between Tosin and his former Fulham boss Marco Silva, who has taken over at Benfica.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Western<\/div>
Photo by Matt King\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, as soon as those reports emerged, they came to a halt. That is because Benfica are now closing in on the signing of England international Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton, as per Record.pt<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Benfica have filled the void at centre-back left by Portugal defender Antonio Silva, who has completed a move to Bournemouth. Tosin was eyed by Benfica and Silva, but they have signed Harwood-Bellis instead.<\/p>\n

Xabi Alonso may have to consider keeping Tosin as no.5<\/h2>\n

His direct quote was four or five centre-backs, when asked how many he\u2019d like in his squad. There is no doubt that Colwill and Lacroix will be two, while Fofana is arguably the third-best in the Chelsea squad.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

What did you make of Tosin Adarabioyo\u2019s display?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n

He worries me!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Tosin<\/div>
Photo by Chelsea Football Club\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Anselmino looked good until he picked up an injury against JDT, so for now, the Argentine will have to remain. Hato will provide competition at left-back for Pep Chavarria, who has finally been announced.<\/p>\n

Chelsea have made Acheampong an \u2018untouchable\u2019<\/a> and ruled out a sale, but a loan remains a possibility. Chelsea want to raise funds, however, and would rather sell another than loan out Acheampong.<\/p>\n

Tosin, Sarr, Badiashile and Disasi are the ones Chelsea want to move on. But Tosin has only had one real suitor this summer in Benfica, and now, their interest is likely to cool. A blow for Alonso and his plans.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/svg><\/p>\n
Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n