West Ham United's Deadline Day Signing Axel Disasi: Strengths and Limitations Revealed
West Ham United completed the signing of defender Axel Disasi from Chelsea in a dramatic deadline day move, finalising the loan deal more than an hour after the official transfer window closed. The club utilised a Premier League deal sheet to secure the centre-back's services until the end of the season, marking a significant addition to their squad during the January transfer window.
Disasi's Arrival and West Ham's Transfer Business
The French defender becomes the fifth new recruit for West Ham this window, joining Taty Castellanos, Felipe Pablo, Adama Traore and Keiber Lamadrid as the Irons bolster their squad for the crucial relegation battle ahead. With Nottingham Forest and Leeds United providing stiff competition at the bottom of the table, manager David Moyes will be hoping these new signings can provide the necessary quality to secure Premier League survival.
Speaking about his move to the London Stadium, Disasi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. "I'm very happy to be here, to have this opportunity. I'm just ready to fight and to play games," he told club media. "Everyone knows my situation in the last few months, so I just want to get back on the field, feel the sensation of games and help the team."
Paul Merson's Assessment of Disasi's Capabilities
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson has provided a detailed analysis of what West Ham can expect from their new defensive acquisition. Speaking to Sky Sports about the transfer, Merson highlighted both the strengths and limitations that Disasi brings to the London Stadium.
"I think it's a good move, I do think it's a good move," Merson stated. "As long as they don't play out from the back. He's not going to play out from the back. He's not one of them who's going to, but if you ask him to defend, he will defend."
The pundit emphasised that Disasi should be viewed primarily as a traditional defender rather than a modern ball-playing centre-back. "Yeah, he's a defender, an out-and-out defender. He's quick, he's strong. And I've heard from people at Chelsea when I've been there, his attitude's been good," Merson revealed, addressing concerns that had emerged during the player's time at Stamford Bridge.
Background and Recent History
Disasi arrives at West Ham having experienced a challenging period at Chelsea, where he was frozen out of the first team by former manager Enzo Maresca. The decision was understood to be tactical rather than reflecting any personal or behavioural issues with the player. More recently, interim manager Liam Rosenior had welcomed the defender back to first team training at Chelsea before this loan move materialised.
The 27-year-old French international now faces the task of regaining match fitness and form at West Ham, where he will be expected to provide solidity at the back during the crucial final months of the season. His comments suggest a player eager to prove himself after a period of limited opportunities. "The Club has given me the opportunity to show my quality on the pitch. I spoke with all the people here, and I feel that they really wanted me, so that's why I'm here today," Disasi explained.
With West Ham currently positioned uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, Disasi's arrival represents a calculated gamble by the club's hierarchy. His traditional defensive qualities could prove invaluable in tight matches where clean sheets might make the difference between survival and relegation. However, as Merson pointed out, managers and teammates will need to understand his limitations when it comes to building attacks from defence.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this deadline day signing can provide the defensive reinforcement West Ham desperately need as they battle to maintain their Premier League status for another season.
