West Ham United keen on move for Chelsea's Axel Disasi despite relegation

West Ham United plot ambitious move for Chelsea's Axel Disasi

West Ham United have reportedly set their sights on Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi ahead of the summer transfer window, according to SportsBoom. The Hammers are preparing for life in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League, but that has not deterred them from pursuing a high-profile signing.

Tactical context: How Disasi could fit into West Ham's system

Disasi, 27, has made 43 appearances across all competitions this season for Chelsea, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His physical presence and aerial ability make him a formidable option in both boxes. Under manager David Moyes, West Ham have often deployed a compact 4-2-3-1 formation that prioritises defensive solidity. Disasi's strength and reading of the game could allow the Hammers to play a higher line in the Championship, reducing the space for opposition forwards.

His ball-playing skills are also notable; Disasi averages 70.9 passes per 90 minutes with an 89.2% completion rate, which could aid West Ham in building from the back. This aligns with Moyes' occasional preference for a more progressive style, particularly against sides that sit deep.

Relegation context: West Ham's Championship promotion push

West Ham's relegation was confirmed after a 2-1 defeat at Brentford on the final day of the season, finishing 18th with 35 points. The club have lost key players in recent windows, including Declan Rice, but the core of the squad remains intact. Owner David Sullivan has indicated that the club intends to bounce back at the first attempt, and signing a player of Disasi's calibre would signal a serious commitment.

The Championship is notoriously demanding, with 46 league matches plus domestic cup competitions. West Ham's current defensive options include Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Ben Johnson, and Angelo Ogbonna. However, Zouma has been linked with a move away, and Ogbonna is 35. Adding Disasi would provide both quality and depth.

Impact analysis: What this means for club, player, and FPL

For West Ham: Acquiring a player who has performed at the highest level in Ligue 1 and the Premier League could significantly strengthen their bid for automatic promotion. Disasi's experience in high-pressure games, including Champions League football with Monaco, would be invaluable.
For Disasi: The move would allow him to remain in London while playing regular first-team football, something he may not be guaranteed at Chelsea given competition from Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, and Benoit Badiashile. Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for £38.8 million.
Fantasy Premier League impact: Should West Ham win promotion back to the Premier League, Disasi could become a popular budget defender option in FPL. His attacking threat from set pieces — four headed goals in 2023-24 — makes him a differential pick.

Historical precedent: Similar moves from relegated clubs

There have been several instances of relegated clubs signing top-flight players to aid immediate promotion. In 2022-23, Southampton signed James Ward-Prowse to mid-table clubs, but the most relevant parallel is perhaps Fulham's signing of Jean Michaël Seri after relegation in 2019 — though that did not yield instant promotion. A more successful example is Norwich City's capture of Ben Godfrey from York City in 2016, though that was a different tier.

Another comparison is Leicester City's retention of key players after relegation in 2023-24, which helped them secure an immediate return to the Premier League. West Ham appear to be following a similar model — rather than selling assets, they are adding quality.

What's next for West Ham and Disasi

The transfer window opens on 14 June, and West Ham will face competition for Disasi's signature. Several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, have been credited with interest. A fee in the region of £25-30 million is being discussed, though Chelsea may be reluctant to sell at a loss given their initial outlay.

For West Ham, getting the deal done early would allow Disasi to integrate during pre-season. The Championship season begins on 2 August, and the Hammers are expected to be among the favourites for promotion. If the move materialises, it would be one of the most eye-catching transfers involving a relegated club in recent years.