‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
El Hadji Malick Diouf applauds Axel Disasi’s rise at West Ham, calls Chelsea’s decision ‘crazy’
Axel Disasi’s recent performance at West Ham has sparked praise from El Hadji Malick Diouf, who highlighted the defender’s impact since joining the club. Diouf, speaking to West Ham’s official website, expressed surprise at Disasi’s lack of regular first-team action during his time at Chelsea.
High hopes for £38m signing
Disasi joined Chelsea in 2023 for a £38m fee, bringing significant expectations from Monaco. However, the 27-year-old center-back faced challenges in his debut season, struggling to justify the hefty price tag. Midway through the 2024/25 campaign, he was loaned to Aston Villa, where he found limited opportunities.
Upon returning to Chelsea, Disasi was largely sidelined, making no appearances in the first half of the season. This led to his move to West Ham on loan last month, where he has quickly adapted to the new environment.
“The guy is not a small player! It was crazy he stayed for so long without playing, but when he came here, he showed he’s a machine!”
Disasi’s transition to West Ham has been marked by strong performances, contributing to the team’s recent resurgence. He has been pivotal in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defensive setup, earning praise for his consistency in the first six matches.
West Ham’s fight for survival
With four league wins in 2026, West Ham now sit level with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table. A potential victory over Manchester City in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash could push them to 15th place. This improved form has reignited hopes for the club’s survival, especially after a challenging winter period.
After a recent win against Fulham, Espirito Santo reflected on the significance of the result. “It’s a special night because we did a good game in a tough stadium against a strong team, with a top manager and quality players,” he said post-match. “We know how hard it is to come here and achieve a win. That’s what makes us happy.”
“We don’t measure belief, we always have it. What we need is improvement. Today was a big day for us, but the situation remains unchanged. Nothing has changed. We need to keep pushing.”
Disasi’s current contract with Chelsea still has three-and-a-half years remaining. Whether West Ham pursue a permanent transfer will depend on their ability to avoid relegation. The club’s recent momentum suggests optimism, but the fight for Premier League survival continues.
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