Marseille Makes Formal Offer for Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile
August 21, 2025
Marseille has made an official bid for Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile, who is reportedly interested in returning to France. Chelsea values Badiashile at 35 million euros, which Marseille is willing to pay. Badiashile joined Chelsea in 2023 from Monaco and has played a significant role in the team’s success. Marseille has identified defense as a priority and has funds available for new signings. Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, balancing sales with potential acquisitions like Alejandro Garnacho. Manager Enzo Maresca has discussed the transfer with Badiashile, and despite injury concerns to Levi Colwill, the club is open to the transfer, reflecting strategic squad management.
Olympique Marseille have officially tabled a bid for Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile, signaling a strong intent to bring the talented centre-back back to French football. The 24-year-old has reportedly expressed interest in returning to his home country, making Marseille a very attractive destination. With Chelsea seemingly open to the move, this transfer could materialize quickly, reshaping both clubs' defensive lineups.
Chelsea's valuation of Badiashile is set at 35 million euros, a figure Marseille is prepared to match. This willingness underscores Marseille's determination to secure Badiashile's services and reinforce their defensive capabilities ahead of a demanding season. Badiashile's physical presence, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, combined with his international experience, makes him an ideal candidate to bolster Marseille's backline.
Badiashile's journey to Chelsea began in 2023 when he transferred from Monaco for a fee of 37 million euros. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he featured in 34 Premier League matches, becoming an integral part of the team. His contributions were crucial to Chelsea's success, as the club secured a double victory last season, claiming both the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup titles. Despite these achievements, the allure of returning to France and playing for a prominent club like Marseille seems to have captured Badiashile's attention.
Badiashile to leave Chelsea?
Marseille's financial position is robust, with approximately 75 million euros available for new acquisitions. Reinforcing the defense has been identified as the club's top priority before the transfer window closes. The potential addition of Badiashile aligns perfectly with this strategy, providing Marseille with a seasoned defender capable of making an immediate impact.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been actively reshaping their squad during this transfer window. The club has generated around £250 million from player sales, demonstrating a commitment to balancing the books. Despite these departures, Chelsea are still expected to strengthen their attacking options with the potential signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. The club's management recognizes the need to streamline the squad, and further departures are anticipated.
Manager Enzo Maresca has been directly involved in discussions with Badiashile, understanding the player's desire for a return to France. Despite an injury concern to Levi Colwill, Chelsea are prepared to allow Badiashile to leave, indicating a willingness to accommodate the player's wishes and adjust the squad accordingly. This decision reflects a strategic approach to squad management, balancing player satisfaction with the club's overall objectives.
The transfer of Badiashile to Marseille would represent a significant move for all parties involved. Marseille would acquire a high-quality defender, Chelsea would continue their squad restructuring efforts, and Badiashile would return to his home country to pursue his career ambitions. As the transfer window progresses, this deal could prove to be one of the most impactful moves of the summer.
This potential transfer highlights the dynamic nature of modern football, where player desires, financial considerations, and strategic squad management intersect. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this transfer becomes a reality, further shaping the landscape of both the Premier League and Ligue 1.
