West Ham United have reportedly been quoted a staggering fee to make Axel Disasi’s move to the London Stadium permanent.
The defender has impressed during his loan spell with the Hammers, quickly establishing himself as a key figure under Nuno Espírito Santo. However, turning that temporary switch into a full-time deal is shaping up to be far from straightforward.
According to Football Insider, talks are expected between West Ham and Chelsea over a potential transfer. But several hurdles remain, not least uncertainty over which division the Hammers will be playing in next season — a factor that could heavily influence any deal.
Chelsea are believed to be keen to recoup as much of the £38m they paid to sign Disasi from AS Monaco, and that valuation could prove a major stumbling block.
Disasi has proven to be much better than many of us expected since signing for West Ham
Most Read on West Ham News
Disasi Deal Hinges on Finances and Future
Given West Ham’s financial position, particularly following the club’s recently published accounts, matching that figure looks a tall order. There is also a wider question of value for money, even with the 28-year-old delivering consistently excellent performances in claret and blue.
Claret & Hugh says: At this point, no club or transfer sources have been able to confirm that there are indeed ongoing talks with Chelsea to sign Disasi. In many respects, it would be odd if they were happening given the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Personally, I believe the signing of Disasi has been transformative, and West Ham should do everything they can to make the transfer permanent. The player himself seems to be loving life in East London following his exclusion from the first-team squad at Chelsea.
It’s also hard to argue with Chelsea’s valuation because, if we’re honest, Disasi looks far more like a £40 million player than Max Kilman ever has. At the end of the day, he is Chelsea’s asset, and they can ask whatever fee they want.
This is the gamble of a loan deal without an obligation to buy. If the player performs well in the short term, he benefits the club he joins, but in the long term, his parent club are left with a rejuvenated asset — and potentially multiple suitors willing to meet the price.