Axel Disasi became West Ham United’s final addition of the January transfer window, arriving on deadline day on a loan deal from Chelsea until the end of the season.
The France international makes the move having endured a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge, where first-team opportunities completely dried up.
Disasi hadn’t featured competitively for over a year, having been frozen out after failing to secure a transfer last summer and subsequently deemed surplus to requirements under former head coach Enzo Maresca.
He was left training away from the senior group for a prolonged period before eventually being reintegrated into under-21s sessions and first-team training. Even then, a senior appearance never followed.
Chelsea signed Disasi from Monaco in 2023 for around £38m, and he spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.
Disasi joined West Ham. on deadline day. (WHUFC)
Disasi joined West Ham. on deadline day. (WHUFC)
Now, Nuno Espírito Santo has brought him to east London in a bid to shore up a defence that has struggled badly as West Ham fight to avoid relegation.
But when asked why he chose to make the switch, Disasi offered a refreshingly honest — and rather blunt — explanation.
“I think it was the right move for me because, as everyone knows from my situation, I needed to get some minutes,” he said.
“The club gave 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 today, and I can’t wait to get going.”
Chelsea's Axel Disasi. (Reuters/Matthew Childs)
Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. (Reuters/Matthew Childs)
Elsewhere in his first interview as a West Ham player, Disasi admitted he sees the move as a chance to rebuild momentum and force his way back into France contention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
He also acknowledged the size of the task facing the Hammers, describing the situation as an “exciting challenge” rather than a burden.
“The ambition is to put the Club back to its normal position and to enjoy playing football.”
It may have been a cheeky, no-nonsense admission — and yes, West Ham are very much being used as a platform — but if Disasi helps drag the club to safety, nobody in east London will be complaining.