After a couple years of mostly just sitting on his hands — at least whenever not injured — it looks like Benoît Badiashile will get to play some actual football this season, having reportedly agreed a move to SSC Napoli (who are no longer managed by Antonio Conte but rather by Max Allegri).
As per Fabrizio Romano, Napoli and Chelsea have agreed a season-long loan, which also includes a buy-option for the 25-year-old center back’s services. That option is a decently sized €27m, though as with any buy-option,
is less than likely to be triggered (certainly when dealing with Serie A teams). Still, at least Napoli are lobbing €3+1m in loan fees our way, and are covering Big-Bada-Shile’s full salary. He may not be the Fifth Element, but he’s at least contributing to balancing the spreadsheets.
Badiashile still has four years left on his Chelsea contract otherwise. He’s made just 71 appearances in the three and a half years he’s already been here, so hopefully he can get some more regular playing time in Italy. He will take up one of our six allowed international loan slots, though we will have at least three still remaining (and four if Kendry Páez does indeed get recalled form Boca Juniors).
