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West Ham sign Chelsea defender Disasi on loan

Axel Disasi smiling in Chelsea trainingGetty Images

Nizaar Kinsella

Football reporter

West Ham have signedChelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan until the end of the season.

The 27‑year‑old centre-back was involved in a turbulent deadline day, which ended in a move to the London Stadium for a £1.7m loan fee.

However, despite the France international beginning his medical on Friday morning, confirmation of the transfer ran late after West Ham submitted a deal sheet to earn a two-hour extension to complete the signing.

Disasi arrives to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo's defence as they attempt to avoid relegation. The Hammers are third bottom in the Premier League after 24 matches - six points off safety.

"I'm very happy to be here, to have this opportunity. I'm just ready to fight and to play games," said Disasi, who has been capped five times by his country.

"It's an exciting challenge. We know that the club is not at the place that it should be, but I'm here to help the team and to bring what I can to achieve our goal."

Disasi has not played for more than a year for Chelsea and was placed in the club's so‑called "bomb squad" after failing to secure a move last summer and deemed surplus to requirements by former head coach Enzo Maresca.

He later worked his way back into the under‑21s and first‑team training, although he did not make a senior appearance.

Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 in a £38m deal and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

But he is determined to prove his worth at West Ham as he added: "The club has given me the opportunity to show my quality on the pitch. I spoke with all the people here, and I feel that they really wanted me, so that's why I'm here.

"Everyone knows my situation in the last few months, so I just want to get back on the field, feel the sensation of games and help the team."