It is no secret that Axel Disasi was a long-time target for West Ham United, the Chelsea loanee finally arriving at the London Stadium in the winter after a failed summer pursuit.
Now, speaking to the French press after a resilient, supremely well-drilled Hammers deepened Erling Haaland’s woes and all-but ended Manchester City’s title bid, the France international lifts the lid on that long-running pursuit.
Axel Disasi confirms that West Ham United had ‘approached’ him in the summer of 2025.
DISCUSS: How much would you pay for Axel Disasi? 💷
Disasi has THREE years left on his Chelsea contract…
The former Reims and Monaco ace admits that there was an offer on the table from the London Stadium outfit before the window closed at the beginning of September, by which point Igor Julio had joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Axel Disasi admits West Ham United wanted him last summer
Igor returned to Brighton after a forgettable spell in East London. From one largely pointless loan deal to one of the most transformative in West Ham’s modern history.
“They had already approached me this summer, at the very end of the transfer window,” Disasi tells L’Equipe. “But, ultimately, they signed another defender [Igor].”
It is no secret that veteran tactician Massimiliano Allegri wanted AC Milan to sign Disasi in the winter. West Ham would eventually get their man in a dramatic deadline day swoop which felt like the transfer equivalent of Indiana Jones snatching his hat from underneath a fast-closing door.
Disasi credited Nuno Espirito Santo not only for jump-starting his career, but for allowing him to nail down a spot in his preferred centre-back position. The 2022 World Cup winner played frequently as a right-back during a previous loan spell at Aston Villa a year ago.
“It was a bit stressful because it happened at the last minute in January,” Disasi adds. “But they came to me and explained that they were ready to offer me the playing time I needed, and as a central defender.
“I didn’t overthink it. It was important for me to have guaranteed playing time, which they stated quite firmly. I needed to play, not be part of a rotation like I was at Aston Villa.
“That experience made me realise that, when you’re a defender, you have to secure [a place in the XI].”
Be honest – give us your initial grading and your current one 😂
For context, I was a C and now I am an A
Disasi feels he has silenced his critics after difficult Chelsea spell
AFC Bournemouth rivalled West Ham for Disasi’s signature last summer, when Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay were still calling the shots.
Now, amid claims that West Ham are eyeing Bournemouth director Tiago Pinto, the chances of Disasi staying and signing a long-term deal in East London seem to be growing by the week. As with most things though, the Hammers’ hopes rest on what side of the dotted line they finish on.
“[I feel] good, both physically and mentally,” Disasi explains after he, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo and Mads Hermansen excelled in a heroic defensive performance against Man City on Saturday night.
“Getting back on the pitch helps me feel better. Some people had concerns about my return, but it feels good to show them they were wrong and that it was all just speculation about my condition. When you work hard, it can only pay off. I’ve grown a lot in the last six months.”
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