Axel Disasi says the move to West Ham is about playing regular football and avoiding relegation. The defender arrives on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season. West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League and face a serious survival fight.
West Ham lost 3-2 to Chelsea in their last league match, despite leading 2-0 at half-time at Stamford Bridge. The defeat left West Ham six points behind Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, who are directly above them in the Premier League table.
The club turned to Disasi after allowing Igor Julio to return to Brighton last month. West Ham completed the deal on Monday as a late window move. The agreement brings the 27-year-old centre-back to London Stadium for the rest of the season.
Disasi has not played a single
minute for Chelsea this campaign, after spending last season on loan at Aston Villa. The defender stressed how much this opportunity matters, saying: "I'm very happy to be here, to have this opportunity, Disasi told West Ham's website. I'm just ready to fight and to play games. "
Getting to know our new Frenchman 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/fnbBiwTLYLWest Ham United (@WestHam) February 3, 2026
Disasi explained the move also reflects a desire to reset a difficult spell without games. "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. The club has given me the opportunity to show my quality on the pitch. "
The defender said talks with staff made the choice straightforward. "I spoke with all the people here, and I feel that they really wanted me, so that's why I'm here today. It's an exciting challenge. We know that the club is not at the place that it should be, but I'm here to help the team and to bring what I can to achieve our goal. "
West Ham hope Disasi’s experience at Chelsea and Aston Villa will strengthen a defence under pressure in the Premier League. The club’s situation adds urgency, as every match now carries extra weight in the survival race, and Disasi is expected to compete immediately for a starting place.
