‘If’ is not a word West Ham United supporters wanted to see, three hours after the transfer deadline, regarding Axel Disasi’s potential switch from Chelsea to the London Stadium.
Confirmation over the Frenchman’s last-gasp transfer has still not arrived.
On a day dominated by Axel Disasi and a ‘will he, won’t he?’ transfer saga, there appears to be a real chance now that the West Ham United faithful will not get their answer until early on Tuesday morning. Or, in a best-case scenario, perhaps in the twilight hours.
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Disasi reportedly had reservations about joining West Ham despite undergoing a medical. The requisite deal sheet was submitted in time, though, after the France international appeared to press ahead with the transfer after all.
Yet, as Chelsea reporter Nazaar Kinsella wrote on X just before 10pm on Monday night, this is still a case of ‘if’ rather than ‘when’.
Similarities between West Ham United’s Axel Disasi swoop and dreaded Kalvin Phillips deal
Axel Disasi celebrates Aston Villa v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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Kinsella adds that West Ham will pay their London neighbours a loan fee ever-so-slightly shy of £2 million. Comparisons may be drawn between this, then, and the deal which brought Kalvin Phillips to the capital from Manchester City a year prior.
Per club insider Sean Whetstone, the Hammers paid £4 million for the ‘luxury’ of having Phillips for half a season. Disasi also joins in a ‘straight’ loan deal, without an option or obligation-to-buy clause included as part of the arrangement.
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“Chelsea will receive a £1.7m loan fee from West Ham if Axel Disasi’s loan move is confirmed by the Premier League,” Kinsella says. “Optimism that it will go through, but not confirmation.”
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A graphic showing Axel Disasi being set for a medical at West Ham ahead of a loan move from Chelsea.
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Disasi should still leave Chelsea after falling out of favour
It goes without saying that West Ham will be hoping that Disasi makes a more positive contribution than Phillips. Now at Sheffield United, the Leeds icon is up there with the worst signings of the David Sullivan era, and that is saying something.
West Ham’s latest loanee has not played a Premier League match since April 2025. He may take some time, then, to get up to speed. But as Sky Sports reporter Chris Reidy explains, West Ham believe Disasi will bring big-game experience and some much-needed physicality to the division’s leakiest backline.
“Why do they need Disasi? Well, Jean-Clair Todibo is suspended for the next three games following that red card,” Reidy said. “Furthermore, Igor Julio saw his loan deal terminated earlier this week.
“So, West Ham see Axel Disasi as someone who – although he hasn’t played for Chelsea for a long time -is experienced, has played in a World Cup Final, and can come straight in. A big, powerful, imposing defender who is ready to help West Ham in their current relegation battle.
“I am told other incoming deals are unlikely at this stage, apart from Disasi. But never, never rule anything out with West Ham on deadline day.”
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