Leeds United credited with interest in West Ham’s on-loan Chelsea defender Axel Disasi
Leeds United have again been credited with interest in Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.
The 28-year-old was signed by the Blues from Monaco in 2023 and a reported £38.5m changed hands. He has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge for the last two years and was first loaned out to Aston Villa last season.
Leeds were linked with a loan swoop for the France international in January, but he instead joined West Ham’s battle for Premier League survival.
The Hammers are in danger with just two games of their season remaining, although Disasi has proven to be a shrewd addition to the club’s ranks.
Axel Disasi has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea.placeholder image
Axel Disasi has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea. | Julian Finney/Getty Images
Leeds United linked with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi
According to Football Insider, Leeds want to strike a deal for Disasi when his loan spell in the capital comes to an end.
It has not been indicated wheteher the Whites would pursue a permanent or loan deal for the defender, who is under contract at Chelsea until 2029.
The outlet’s correspondent Pete O’Rourke told the Transfer Insider podcast: “I think there’ll be a lot of clubs looking at Disasi. He’s really resurrected his career during this loan move to West Ham.
“He doesn’t seem to have a long-term future at Chelsea, so I would fully expect him to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis in the summer window, whether that’s to West Ham or someone else remains to be seen.
“If West Ham go down, there will probably be no chance of signing him on a permanent basis. Leeds did look at Disasi before he moved to West Ham, they were one of the clubs that were interested in the French defender.
“It’s a situation that they will be keeping tabs on. We fully expect Daniel Farke’s side to strengthen their centre-back options in the summer transfer window after the move to a three-man defensive formation. Disasi is really impressing at West Ham I’m sure Leeds will be sitting up and taking notice of that.”
Axel Disasi has impressed on loan at West Ham United.placeholder image
Axel Disasi has impressed on loan at West Ham United. | John Walton/PA Wire
Leeds United’s centre-back pool
Leeds have been linked with a clutch of centre-backs of late and it is not particularly surprising. In late November, manager Daniel Farke switched to a three-at-the-back set-up that has helped to keep the club afloat.
Disasi would arguably be a coup for Leeds, who have Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk in their centre-back pool alongside Bornauw.
Farke has also made use of James Justin’s versatility by deploying the full-back in a more central role than he is used to.