**If West Ham are successful in their fight for Premier League survival, signing Axel Disasi on a permanent basis must be the first order of business this summer.**
They say rule number one is to never fall in love with a loan player. I think it’s fair to say the West Ham fan base collectively broke that rule pretty quickly when it comes to the French defender. His arrival in East London back in January was not a signing that particularly enthused Hammers supporters, arguably reminiscent of a certain Craig Dawson, who earned the nickname “Ballon Dawson” and became a much loved cult hero during his time in claret and blue.
Prior to joining West Ham on loan, Disasi had not played a competitive minute of Premier League football in almost 10 months. He had been bombed out of the Chelsea first team and was featuring for the Blues’ under 21 side.
Given West Ham were deep in a relegation dog fight and in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, signing a defender whose most recent game time had come at under 21 level certainly seemed a risk and potentially ill advised.
Disasi has been phenomenal since joining the club, proving his doubters wrong and consistently showing that he is more than capable at Premier League level.
Straight from the off, the Frenchman slotted seamlessly into Nuno Espirito Santo’s back line. Even on his debut, he did not look like someone who had gone so long without first team action.
There’s even an argument that he has helped raise the level of those around him. Jean Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos have been two of the Hammers most improved performers under Nuno.
Disasi has featured more regularly alongside Dinos Mavropanos, who has been nothing short of a revelation in his own right. He is enjoying the brightest spell of his West Ham career and has continued to go from strength to strength in recent months. The two have formed quite the partnership.
The French international’s form is a big reason why West Ham still have a chance of beating the drop, something that seemed impossible not too long ago. Disasi is clearly feeling rejuvenated, and he has spoken publicly about loving life in East London.
Many are already lauding him as the club’s best ever loan signing, which is quite the recognition considering the impact Jesse Lingard had during his spell at the club.
The January arrival has also clearly bought into the club’s culture and the renewed sense of spirit and unity in the Hammers dressing room. For someone who has made just 11 appearances for the club and has only been in the building since late January, his passion has been a joy to witness and has been clear to see in goal celebrations alongside his teammates.
His form at West Ham will have put many clubs on alert, it could even make his parent club Chelsea reconsider their stance on his place in their first team.
Whilst other clubs will undoubtedly be sniffing around, should West Ham remain in the top flight, signing Axel Disasi on a permanent basis is imperative. Given how much of a part he has played in reviving the club’s season, how comfortable he looks and how clearly valued he is by his teammates, it has to be a priority.