‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
Chelsea’s Decision to Loan Out £38m Defender Sparks Debate
Axel Disasi’s recent performance at West Ham has earned praise from El Hadji Malick Diouf, who described the defender’s impact as remarkable. The France international, who joined Chelsea in a high-profile £38 million move from Monaco in 2023, initially faced mounting pressure to justify his hefty transfer fee. However, his inconsistent displays during a challenging debut campaign at Stamford Bridge led to a loan spell at Aston Villa midway through the 2024/25 season.
Disasi returned to Chelsea but found himself sidelined from the first-team setup, resulting in no appearances in the initial half of the season before securing a loan move to West Ham. The 27-year-old centre-back has since made a strong impression under Nuno Espirito Santo, with a string of solid performances at the heart of the Hammers’ defense. Despite a brief slump, he has only lost one of his first six league matches for the club.
Diouf Calls Disasi’s Chelsea Tenure ‘Crazy’
“The guy is not a small player!” Diouf remarked in an interview with West Ham’s official website. “It was crazy he stayed for so long without playing, but when he came here, he showed he’s a machine!”
Disasi’s current contract with Chelsea still has three-and-a-half years remaining, leaving room for speculation about his future. Whether West Ham pursue a permanent transfer will depend on their ability to avoid relegation in the Championship, a goal that has become increasingly uncertain.
West Ham’s Resurgence and Espirito Santo’s Confidence
After a dismal stretch of ten consecutive league games without a win between November and early January, West Ham’s form has improved significantly. Four victories in 2026 have brought them level with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table, offering renewed optimism for survival. A potential win against Manchester City in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash could push them to 15th place.
Following a recent win away to Fulham, Espirito Santo emphasized the team’s belief in their chances. “It’s a special night because we delivered in a tough stadium against a strong team, led by a skilled manager and top players,” he said. “We know how difficult it is to achieve results here. That’s what makes us happy. We measure progress, not just belief, and we’re committed to improvement. Today was a major step, but the situation hasn’t changed—nothing has.”
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