Axel Disasi's loan spell at West Ham revived a career that had stalled dramatically at Chelsea.
After being frozen out by Enzo Maresca during the first half of 25/26 as part of the Blues' well-documented group of bomb squad players, the France international completed a loan move to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day in February.
Disasi-Newcastle-Chelsea-EFL-Cup
It proved to be exactly the reset he needed.
Thrown straight into Nuno Espírito Santo's starting line-up, Disasi quickly established himself as one of West Ham's most dependable defenders.
He made 17 appearances across all competitions after arriving, scoring once in the FA Cup while forming a solid partnership with Konstantinos Mavropanos in central defence.
West Ham United's Axel Disasi and Soungoutou Magassa celebrate winning the penalty shootout
Although the Hammers were ultimately unable to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Disasi's own performances attracted praise for their consistency, leadership and physical presence.
By the end of the campaign, many supporters viewed him as one of the club's better performers during an otherwise disappointing season.
Those displays have prompted West Ham to try to keep him permanently.
West Ham given Axel Disasi encouragement after agreeing Chelsea fee
According to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, the Hammers have remained in discussions with Disasi despite their relegation to the Championship.
Phillips reports that Chelsea have effectively agreed a fee of around £25 million, giving West Ham permission to negotiate directly with the player.
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
Finances
Insight
Impact
The biggest obstacle is convincing Disasi that Championship football is the right next step.
West Ham are reportedly attempting to do exactly that by offering him a leadership role within Nuno's squad.
With several senior players leaving following relegation, the club believe Disasi could become one of the central figures in their rebuild rather than simply another experienced signing.
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts
Chelsea, meanwhile, are happy to sanction a permanent departure as they continue trimming their squad ahead of the new season.
Interest from elsewhere means West Ham cannot afford to assume the deal will happen automatically.
Disasi remains an experienced France international entering what should be the prime years of his career, with Premier League as well as European clubs monitoring his situation.
West Ham must push the boat out for Axel Disasi
West Ham should do everything possible to complete the transfer.
World Cup 2026 Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Championship football is built on organisation, aerial dominance and leadership, all qualities Disasi possesses in abundance.
Nuno's teams are traditionally difficult to break down when built around commanding centre-backs, and Disasi fits that profile perfectly.
He has already adapted to the dressing room, understands the manager's demands and demonstrated during his loan spell that he can handle responsibility in difficult circumstances.
If West Ham want an immediate return to the Premier League, signing him permanently would be an excellent place to start.
Netherlands' Crysencio Summerville celebrates scoring their second goal Related
West Ham make contact to replace Summerville with £17m World Cup star
Crysencio Summerville could be on the move this summer.