Liam Rosenior talks to Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi about exile at Chelsea

new Chelsea Manager Liam Rosenior has pledged to speak to Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, who were left in limbo as part of the so-called ‘Bomb Squad’.

The 41-year-old Englishman, who replaced Enzo Maresca last week, is juggling an extensive list of tasks after joining mid-season from Strasbourg, who share ownership with Chelsea.

One priority is to speak to Sterling and Disasi, who joined during the 2023-24 season for £47.5m and £38.5m respectively, but are currently training at different times, in a separate stadium and in a separate building from the main squad. Both remain on the transfer list and have rejected potential loan moves over the summer.

In response to a question about the duo, Rosenior said: “I will hold talks with them. We are in January, as you know.”

“Raheem has had a great career. I have a lot of respect for him. Axel is someone I’ve really liked as a player for a long time.

“Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. I’m really honest. I have to literally work through the list of priorities. I’ll do that in the next few days.”

Sterling is attracting interest from Napoli, while Roma and Lyon have explored the possibility of bringing in Disasi, but Chelsea currently have a maximum of six players on loan abroad, according to FIFA rules, and would have to cancel one to allow the pair to move on a temporary deal.

Chelsea are usually active in every transfer window, but had a slow start to January following a managerial change. Insiders insist the club’s strategy will remain similar, although Rosenior’s voice will now be part of the discussion after Maresca’s falling out with the hierarchy led to his unplanned mid-season exit.

Regarding potential signings, Rosenior added: “The first conversation I had with the players [the club’s hierarchy] I wanted to evaluate the most important players, and they are here. Usually you get good surprises if you give people a chance.

“I had some really good upsets in the game against Charlton. Yes, it is January, and yes, we want the club to be as successful as possible in the short term.

“But I also believe that sometimes the answers lie inside the building rather than outside. So I’ll make a decision on that with the guys. Maybe later in the week when I see everyone.”

Chelsea are expected to make more important signings in the summer, when their preferred targets are likely to become available.

The quality striker is high on the priority list as highlighted by Chelsea who briefly checked the terms of Antoine Semenyu’s contract ahead of his joining Manchester City. Likewise, Chelsea considered signing Dean Huysen in the summer ahead of his move to Real Madrid, and will look to add a centre-back.

Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet is among those who have been impressed, while the Blues have been tracking Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz, although other options not mentioned will also be considered. Chelsea have been linked with Saint-Etienne striker Gillian N’Guessan, but he is a target for sister club Strasbourg in France.

They are also known fans of Manchester United’s Kobe Maino, who has less than 18 months left on his contract at Old Trafford, with options in midfield that could be considered if Romeo Lavia continues to struggle with injury. Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is currently evaluating his options and would need to be replaced if he leaves.

Academy graduate Tyreek George has struggled to make modern matchday lineups and is available for sale again after his £22m summer move to Fulham collapsed on deadline day. The option of leaving on loan will also be considered.

The west London club are still subject to significant restrictions from UEFA in January to maintain a “positive transfer balance” and any incoming deals must be offset with expenses.

However, these restrictions will be lifted next season, coinciding with the Premier League introducing new Team Cost Control Ratio rules, which are less restrictive than the current Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

Chelsea have already named a host of players for next season, including £40m Sporting winger Giovanni Cuenda, Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emega, Kairat striker Dastan Satabayev and Corinthians left-back Diner Evangelista. The Blues also recently completed a deal to sign defender Diner Ordonez from Independiente del Valle to join in January 2028.

Others currently on loan, such as Aaron Anselmino at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg trio Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr and Keandry Baez, are highly regarded, with the latter three playing for Rosenior in France.