Axel Disasi‘s loan spell at West Ham revived a career that had stalled dramatically at Chelsea.
After being frozen out by Enzo Maresca during the first half of 25/26 as part of the Blues’ well-documented group of bomb squad players, the France international completed a loan move to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day in February.
It proved to be exactly the reset he needed.
Thrown straight into Nuno Espírito Santo‘s starting line-up, Disasi quickly established himself as one of West Ham’s most dependable defenders.
He made 17 appearances across all competitions after arriving, scoring once in the FA Cup while forming a solid partnership with Konstantinos Mavropanos in central defence.
Although the Hammers were ultimately unable to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Disasi’s own performances attracted praise for their consistency, leadership and physical presence.
By the end of the campaign, many supporters viewed him as one of the club’s better performers during an otherwise disappointing season.
Those displays have prompted West Ham to try to keep him permanently.
West Ham given Axel Disasi encouragement after agreeing Chelsea fee
According to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, the Hammers have remained in discussions with Disasi despite their relegation to the Championship.
Phillips reports that Chelsea have effectively agreed a fee of around £25 million, giving West Ham permission to negotiate directly with the player.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
This information comes courtesy of Simon Phillips, who has established himself as one of the best-connected journalists covering Chelsea. His reporting frequently centres on transfer negotiations and internal club developments, with many exclusives later supported by larger outlets. While not every story reaches completion, he is widely regarded as a very credible source for Chelsea-specific transfer news. |
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Finances |
West Ham’s challenge is less about the transfer fee, with the club potentially about to receive a cash injection from Daniel Křetínský after selling Mateus Fernandes for £85m. It is more about convincing Disasi to drop to the second tier. His Premier League salary will also form an important part of negotiations if the deal is to progress. |
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Insight |
Disasi developed at Paris FC and Reims before earning a move to Monaco, where his performances led to France recognition and a transfer to Chelsea. Standing at 6 ft 3, he is renowned for his aerial strength, physical defending and leadership, having regularly captained sides throughout his senior career. |
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Impact |
Disasi would give West Ham a proven defensive leader for a demanding Championship campaign. His experience, organisation and aerial ability suit the division perfectly, while his familiarity with Nuno’s methods means he could immediately become the cornerstone of the defence and a key figure in their promotion push. |
The biggest obstacle is convincing Disasi that Championship football is the right next step.
West Ham are reportedly attempting to do exactly that by offering him a leadership role within Nuno’s squad.
With several senior players leaving following relegation, the club believe Disasi could become one of the central figures in their rebuild rather than simply another experienced signing.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are happy to sanction a permanent departure as they continue trimming their squad ahead of the new season.
Interest from elsewhere means West Ham cannot afford to assume the deal will happen automatically.
Disasi remains an experienced France international entering what should be the prime years of his career, with Premier League as well as European clubs monitoring his situation.
West Ham must push the boat out for Axel Disasi
West Ham should do everything possible to complete the transfer.
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Championship football is built on organisation, aerial dominance and leadership, all qualities Disasi possesses in abundance.
Nuno’s teams are traditionally difficult to break down when built around commanding centre-backs, and Disasi fits that profile perfectly.
He has already adapted to the dressing room, understands the manager’s demands and demonstrated during his loan spell that he can handle responsibility in difficult circumstances.
If West Ham want an immediate return to the Premier League, signing him permanently would be an excellent place to start.
