‘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 Axel Disasi’s contributions since his move to West Ham, expressing surprise at his lack of consistent play for Chelsea. The France international has since adapted well to his new team, with Diouf praising his performances in the first half of the season.
Disasi’s journey from Chelsea to West Ham
Axel Disasi joined Chelsea in 2023 for a record £38 million fee, bringing high expectations from his Monaco background. However, the 27-year-old defender struggled to meet those demands during his mixed first season at Stamford Bridge, leading to a loan spell at Aston Villa in the 2024/25 campaign.
After returning to Chelsea, Disasi found himself sidelined, with no first-team appearances in the second half of the season. This prompted a move to West Ham, where he has made a strong impression since joining on loan last month.
Diouf’s bold assessment of Disasi
Diouf, who partnered Disasi in all five of West Ham’s league matches, stated:
‘The guy is not a small player! It was crazy he stayed for so long without playing, but here he’s shown he’s a machine!’
His comments underscore the contrast between Disasi’s impact at West Ham and his limited role at Chelsea.
Disasi’s contract with Chelsea remains active, with three-and-a-half years left. Whether he stays at West Ham long-term could hinge on the club’s fate in the Premier League, as they battle to avoid relegation.
West Ham’s recent resurgence
West Ham has seen a notable improvement in form, with four league wins in 2026. This brings them level with Nottingham Forest in the table and raises hopes for their survival. A potential victory against Manchester City in their upcoming FA Cup clash could solidify their position.
Following their latest win at Fulham, manager Nuno Espirito Santo remarked:
‘It’s a special night because we did a good game in a tough stadium against a strong team. We know how hard it is to achieve results here. That’s what pleases us most. We don’t measure belief, we always have it. Today was a big day, but the situation hasn’t changed. We need improvement.’
Disasi’s form under Espirito Santo has been a key factor in West Ham’s turnaround, though the manager acknowledges the challenges ahead. The team’s performance will be critical in determining their Premier League survival, with the FA Cup quarter-final match against Brentford offering a chance to build momentum.
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