West Ham United find themselves in a crucial stage of the season as they fight to avoid relegation.
With nine games remaining, the Hammers remain in the bottom three but have closed the gap to Nottingham Forest, now level on points. Form has been on their side recently, offering hope that survival is possible.
How they finish the season will have a major impact on their summer plans: staying up could allow the club to attract new talent, while relegation would likely trigger a significant exodus.
One player at the center of those plans is French defender Axel Disasi, who has impressed since arriving on loan from Chelsea.
West Ham Must Pay Huge Fee for Disasi
According to Mail Online, via Transfer News Live, West Ham are keen to turn Disasi’s loan into a permanent deal should they secure Premier League safety.
The 27-year-old has been a key figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence since arriving in late January.
However, the Hammers face a financial hurdle. Chelsea reportedly paid £38.8 million to sign Disasi from Monaco in 2023, and while West Ham are interested in keeping him, they are reportedly unwilling to match that price in full.
The club will have to weigh the cost against the potential impact Disasi could have on their survival bid and long-term squad stability.
Disasi a “Machine”
Disasi has been nothing short of transformational for West Ham since joining. He has played five Premier League games, helping the club keep three clean sheets and also contributing to their FA Cup quarterfinal run.
Teammate El Hadji Malick Diouf praised the defender’s influence, calling him a “machine.”
“He played for Chelsea, so he knows the league,” he said. “It was crazy he stayed for such a long time and he didn’t play, but when he came here, he showed that he’s a machine! I’m really happy for him. He’s a good defender and I think he helped us a lot.”
With his commanding presence at the back, Disasi has quickly become a fan favorite and a vital part of West Ham’s survival push. Whether the Hammers can secure him permanently this summer may depend on both their Premier League fate and their willingness to meet Chelsea’s valuation.
