‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m machine
El Hadji Malick Diouf has lauded Axel Disasi’s contributions since joining West Ham, expressing surprise that the defender was overlooked by Chelsea despite his £38m move from Monaco in 2023.
Disasi was expected to make an immediate impact after arriving at Stamford Bridge, but his performances during the 2024/25 campaign fell short of the hefty transfer fee. A loan to Aston Villa midway through the season highlighted his struggles, and upon returning to Chelsea, he was sidelined, with no appearances in the first half of the campaign before moving to West Ham.
“The guy is not a small player! It was crazy he stayed for so long and didn’t play, but when he came here, he showed he’s a machine!”
Diouf, who partnered Disasi in all five of his first league games for West Ham, shared these thoughts on the club’s official website. His remarks underscore the contrast between Disasi’s role at his new team and his lack of opportunities at Chelsea.
With three-and-a-half years left on his Chelsea contract, Disasi’s future remains uncertain. West Ham’s interest in a permanent deal will hinge on their ability to avoid relegation, following a dismal stretch of ten winless games between November and January.
West Ham’s revival sparks renewed hope
After a prolonged slump, the Hammers have turned their fortunes around, securing four league wins in 2026. This brings them level with Nottingham Forest in the table, and a victory against Manchester City in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash could bolster their Premier League survival chances.
“It’s a special night because we did a good game in a tough stadium against a strong team, with a top manager and excellent players,” Espirito Santo said after West Ham’s win at Fulham. “We know how hard it is to come here and get a result. That’s what pleases us the most.”
The manager emphasized the team’s belief, stating, “We don’t measure belief—we always have it. We always have hope, but what we need is improvement. Today was a big day for us, but the situation never changed. Nothing has changed. It required a lot more from all of us.”
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