West Ham United got their sole deadline day deal over the line – eventually – last night after club insiders had kept up a worrying commentary throughout the day over the obvious reluctance of Axel [Disase](https://www.claretandhugh.info/these-names-could-rescue-the-season-west-hams-centre-back-late-drama/) to put pen to paper as a West Ham recruit to the relegation battle.
Described by a club spokesman during the final hours as _‘not easy to deal with”_ whist West Ham were _“faced with new demands all the time”_ it is likely that the player will have some sceptics to convince as his short term, straight loan with no option to purchase pans out at London Stadium.
Disasi’s words, no doubt carefully curated for the club web site, make all the right noises for a fan base desperate to stave off relegation:
“I’m very happy to be here, to have this opportunity. I’m just ready to fight and to play games”
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But big questions remain unanswered: Disasi’s last Premier League game was in April 2025. He clearly wanted assurances as to game time at London Stadium – but is he fit?
West Ham have enough issues with their fragile pairing of Kilman and Mavropanos – the last pair standing – for this weekend’s Burnley six pointer. [Sky Sports’](https://www.skysports.com) Michael Dawson was in no doubt as to the gamble taken by West Ham’s board:
_“It’s a huge gamble, it will all be dependent on how he’s trained with the bomb squad, the Under-21s at Chelsea.”_
With no game time this season, does Disasi actually add to Nuno’s resources or simply provide another short term sticking-plaster to apply to the gaping hole below the waterline in the good ship West Ham?
The £1.7 million straight loan fee believed to have been paid by West Ham for his services until May no doubt suits the board far better than the £20 million plus required to bring in a permanent recruit. But it leaves the head coach’s resources paper thin.
Perhaps Disasi will turn out to be the surprise signing of the season and throw himself into the Hammers relegation battle. Until proven otherwise, he deserves the benefit of the doubt but that is one mighty huge gamble taken by Sullivan and Co.