That West Ham United have remained in the race to sign Chelsea misfit Axel Disasi despite their relegation out of the Premier League two months ago can probably be explained by a number of factors.
Disasi loved his time at West Ham. He struck up an excellent relationship with Nuno Espirito Santo and, crucially, felt appreciated and valued.
A stark contrast to his brutal sidelining down the road at Stamford Bridge.
How would you feel if Kretinsky brought Disasi BACK to West Ham? 🇫🇷
A Chelsea source thinks the return is possible…
While relegation would have crushed the hopes of most clubs, West Ham United are a more ambitious beast under Daniel Kretinsky. According to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips a fortnight ago, the Hammers and their London rivals had a broad agreement around a potential £25 million transfer.
If that deal was to go through, Disasi would become the most expensive Championship signing ever.
West Ham United’s Axel Disasi hopes are almost dead
Yet, the more pessimistically-minded among you always feared that Axel Disasi was simply keeping the West Ham door open as he waited for more enticing, top-flight destinations.
Destinations such as Crystal Palace.
According to The Standard, Crystal Palace have today entered talks with Chelsea.
The two clubs were already discussing a deal that would see Maxence Lacroix join Xabi Alonso’s backline. Disasi may be a separate deal but, as when the Alejandro Garnacho and Morgan Rogers traded clubs, one suspects there is some level of intertwining going on.
The Standard add that Disasi has ‘no desire to play in the Championship’.
Now, that might not be entirely true. If he really had ‘no desire’ to drop down a division, Disasi would have closed the door to West Ham two months ago.
The likely scenario, though, is that the five-time France international was open to returning to West Ham if no other offers presented themselves. Ideally, though, a Premier League or European club would arrive to present him with an alternative.
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The chance to keep playing top-flight football at Selhurst Park will appeal. As will the possibility of staying in London. Furthermore, after winning the Conference League last season, Palace can offer Europa League football too.
For all of Kretinsky’s ambition, despite being set to bank an initial £55 million through the sale of Crysencio Summerville to Al Hilal, there is one thing money and good intentions cannot buy; Premier League football.
At least, not straight away anyway.
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