‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m machine
El Hadji Malick Diouf has lauded Axel Disasi’s contributions since joining West Ham, calling it astonishing that the defender remained unutilized for much of his Chelsea tenure. The France international has since stepped up, delivering standout performances in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defensive line, and Diouf expressed surprise at the lack of regular first-team opportunities for Disasi during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Disasi’s Loan to West Ham
Disasi moved to Chelsea in a high-profile £38 million deal from Monaco in 2023, with high hopes for his role as a central defender. However, his mixed performances during the 2024/25 season led to him being loaned out to Aston Villa midway through the campaign. Upon returning to Chelsea, he was largely sidelined, making no appearances in the first half of the season before departing for West Ham on a temporary basis.
Espirito Santo’s Remarks
After West Ham’s recent victory against Fulham, manager Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the team’s standings and challenges. “It’s a special night because we did a good game in a tough, tough stadium against a very good team, with a good manager and fantastic players,” he remarked post-match. “We know how hard it is to come here and achieve a result. That’s what pleases us the most. We don’t measure belief—always have it, always have hope. What we need is improvement. Today was a big, big day for us, but the situation never changed. Nothing has changed. It required a lot more from all of us.”
“The guy is not a small player!” Diouf emphasized, speaking to West Ham’s official website. “It was crazy he stayed for such a long time and he didn’t play, but when he came here, he showed that he’s a machine!”
Disasi’s tenure at West Ham has been marked by consistent form, with his defensive displays helping the club secure four league wins in 2026. This has positioned them level on points with Nottingham Forest, and a victory against Manchester City in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash could elevate their position to 15th in the Premier League table.
With three-and-a-half years remaining on his Chelsea contract, Disasi’s potential permanent move to West Ham hinges on the club’s ability to avoid relegation. His recent resurgence has sparked renewed interest, highlighting the value of his performances and the impact he’s made since joining the Hammers.
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