West Ham United’s transfer deadline day signing Axel Disasi has been called a few uncomplimentary names over the past few days — the most pleasant of which is probably ‘disaster’.
Let’s be fair. The Chelsea FC defender, who hadn’t played a competitive game since April 2025, was nobody’s first choice as the defensive reinforcement the Hammers so desperately needed.
So I went into [today’s game against Burnley](https://www.claretandhugh.info/burnley-0-2-west-ham-player-ratings-as-summerville-makes-in-5-in-a-row/) with zero expectations. After unflattering reports about his fitness, I wasn’t even expecting him to start.
Yet after watching him complete the full 90 minutes, I have to admit I’m pleasantly surprised by what I saw.
Before anyone says, “don’t get carried away” — I’m not.
Early Signs Are Encouraging for West Ham
----------------------------------------
I’m fully aware it was only Burnley, and therefore the perfect bedding-in game against a side who didn’t trouble West Ham too much.
But from what I saw, Disasi looked strong, commanding and far more stable than Max Kilman, who always makes me (and plenty of others) nervous.
Of course, we’ll need to see more as we discover exactly how the Frenchman likes to play and how he copes when properly tested.
That said, while his £30m move to Chelsea clearly didn’t work out, Disasi could yet prove to be a shrewd bit of business for West Ham — especially if he brings some much-needed authority to a back line that’s looked fragile for far too long.
Early days, yes.
But for a signing some had already written off, this was a quietly encouraging start.
I’d be interested to know your opinions below.