‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’
El Hadji Malick Diouf, a France international, has highlighted Axel Disasi’s influence at West Ham, calling it surprising that the defender wasn’t getting consistent play at Chelsea. Disasi’s £38m move from Monaco to Chelsea in 2023 came with high expectations, but his performances at Stamford Bridge were inconsistent during his first season. After struggling to meet the price tag, he was loaned to Aston Villa mid-way through the 2024/25 campaign.
Disasi returned to Chelsea but found himself sidelined, making no first-team appearances in the first half of the season before joining West Ham on loan. His time at West Ham has been impressive, with a strong start to his tenure under Nuno Espirito Santo. The 27-year-old has been a key figure in the Hammers’ defense, losing just one of his first six league matches for the club.
Disasi’s impact under Nuno Espirito Santo
Diouf, who has played alongside Disasi in all five of his league games for West Ham, expressed his admiration in an interview with the club’s official website. ‘The guy is not a small player!’ he said. ‘It was crazy he stayed for so long without playing, but when he came here, he showed he’s a machine!’
Disasi’s current form has been a boon for West Ham, who are now in a better position to avoid relegation. The club’s recent four league wins in 2026 have brought them level with Nottingham Forest in the table, and a victory against Manchester City in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash could lift them to 15th place.
Despite his progress, Disasi still has three-and-a-half years left on his Chelsea contract. Whether West Ham consider a permanent deal for him may hinge on their ability to secure survival in the Premier League. The club’s turnaround in form since the new year has reignited hope, but challenges remain as they battle against a tough run of fixtures.
Espirito Santo’s confidence amid survival fight
After West Ham’s win at Fulham, manager Nuno Espirito Santo reiterated his belief in the team’s chances of staying in the top flight. ‘It’s a special night because we did a good game in a tough stadium against a very strong team, led by a top manager and quality players,’ he said following the match. ‘We know how hard it is to come here and get a result. That’s what makes us happy.’
‘We don’t measure belief, we always have hope, but what we need is improvement,’ Espirito Santo added. ‘Today was a big day for us, but the situation hasn’t changed. Nothing has changed. It required a lot more from everyone.’
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