Axel Disasi poses Nuno Espirito Santo with a problem at West Ham United – but one he should ignore.
A January transfer window that even rolled into February had to wait until its final few hours for West Ham United to sign the defender they so desperately needed.
Indeed, Disasi completed a complicated loan move to West Ham on Deadline Day to strengthen Nuno’s options in central defence.
It’s not too long ago that Axel Disasi snubbed West Ham – so what has changed? 👀
To be fair, it won’t matter if he keeps us up 😂
A graphic showing Axel Disasi's opening message to West Ham fans.
Credit; Getty Images/James Baylis – AMA
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This season, West Ham have the worst defensive record in Europe’s major five leagues, so it’s clear that they needed help.
However, there is an issue after signing the Frenchman, though one Nuno simply must overlook.
Axel Disasi hasn’t played for almost nine months – but West Ham should risk him vs Burnley
The 27-year-old just hasn’t played any meaningful football since April 2025, when he was on loan at Aston Villa.
That is hardly ideal when West Ham need all the help they can get on the defensive front.
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While the former Monaco defender has been training with Chelsea’s first team recently, there’s nothing quite like match fitness.
The player upon which West Ham have pinned their defensive hopes may not be at his optimum level for a few games yet.
A mixed transfer window for the Hammers! ⚒️
But what is your biggest January regret? What would you change if you could?
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Still, Nuno would be wise to trust him from the start in Saturday’s huge game against Burnley.
Jean-Clair Todibo is suspended for West Ham following his red card against Chelsea. An already weak backline is now weaker as a result.
Max Kilman is the other option and while it’s clearly unfair to suggest every single defensive issue is down to him alone, few would argue against the idea that Kilman has struggled to convince at West Ham.
It’s a case of needs must right now, and Disasi should start from the get-go.
Axel Disasi’s fitness hint ahead of West Ham United debut
The decision, of course, rests with Nuno, and he will speak to the media for the first time since Disasi arrived at the club in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Given the strength of feeling towards Kilman at times, there will no doubt be calls to start the new signing straight away.
Axel Disasi during Wolves v Chelsea FC in the Premier League
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
It remains to be seen just how fit Disasi is but, when speaking to West Ham’s official website, the defender revealed he was desperate to get back out on the pitch.
He has designs on making the France squad for the World Cup in just a few months’ time, so has little time to waste.
He said: “I’m just ready to fight and to play games.”
That bid should start on Saturday at Turf Moor.
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