[Axel Disasi](https://www.claretandhugh.info/disasi-deal-goes-into-extra-time-probably-west-ham-news/) was many supporters’ idea of ‘the last choice’ rather than being the ‘preferred’ recruit to West Ham in the winter window. All month, Hammers fans had waited for news of the centre back signing which was deemed every bit as urgent as signing a striker. However as the number of deals went into double figures and no back line recruit was forthcoming, questions were being asked.
Deadline day brought the reluctant, half fit centre back from Chelsea as the ultimate sticking plaster short term loan signing.
Just today it has been reported that West Ham _were on course_ to bring in a permanent signing before Nuno Esprito Santo blocked the move. This does fit in with earlier comments during the window from within the club that Nuno couldn’t decide who to go after: Reported by [teamtalk.com](https://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/arouna-sangante-west-ham-united-nuno-block-leeds-united-interest) the Hammers apparently backed away from a deal for Senegalese defender **Arouna Sangante** in the final week of the winter transfer window.
As the report confirms:
_“Talks progressed to an advanced stage for Sangante, who has been one of Ligue 1’s standout young defenders this season while playing for Le Havre. The West Ham hierarchy were keen to push the deal over the line for the highly‑rated 23-year-old Senegalese centre-back and viewed Sangante as a long-term investment with significant upside.”_
_“However, despite the club’s strong interest, West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is understood to have preferred a more experienced Premier League‑ready option._
_That stance ultimately led West Ham to pivot toward Axel Disasi”_
So the performance of West Ham’s back line is now even more linked with Nuno’s West Ham future. Should Kilman, Disasi and Mavropanous fail to keep West Ham afloat in the Premier League over the coming weeks, the finger of blame will inevitably start to point firmly toward Nuno and his chosen strategy at the end of a hectic transfer window.