‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
El Hadji Malick Diouf has highlighted the positive effect Axel Disasi has had at West Ham, expressing surprise that the defender hadn’t been given consistent first-team opportunities at Chelsea.
Disasi joined Chelsea in 2023 from Monaco, bringing with him significant expectations after a £38m transfer. However, his first season at Stamford Bridge was marked by inconsistency, with the 27-year-old centre-back failing to justify the hefty fee. This led to a loan move to Aston Villa midway through the 2024/25 campaign.
Despite returning to Chelsea, Disasi was sidelined for much of the season, making no appearances in the first half of the year. His move to West Ham in recent weeks has seen a sharp turnaround in form, as the France international has quickly adapted to Nuno Espirito Santo’s defensive setup. In his initial six matches, he has only lost once, showcasing his potential.
Diouf’s praise for Disasi’s progress
“The guy is not a small player! It was crazy he stayed for so long without playing, but when he came here, he showed he’s a machine!”
Diouf, who has partnered Disasi in all five of his first league games for West Ham, emphasized the defender’s readiness to contribute. His comments come as the club looks to secure their Premier League status, with a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brentford on Monday evening.
Disasi’s contract with Chelsea still has three-and-a-half years remaining, and whether the Hammers pursue a permanent deal may hinge on their performance in the relegation battle. Recent improvements in form, including four league wins in 2026, have placed West Ham level with Nottingham Forest in the standings. A strong result against Manchester City could push them up to 15th.
Following a recent victory over Fulham, Espirito Santo spoke about the team’s determination to avoid drop. “It’s a special night because we delivered a solid performance in a tough stadium against a top team, under a great manager and with strong players,” he said. “We know how difficult it is to achieve results here. That’s what makes us happy.”
“We don’t measure belief, we always have it. What we need now is progress. Today was a major day for us, but the situation remains unchanged. Nothing has changed. It requires even more from everyone.”
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