It Crazy Chelsea Questioned Leaving 38M Machine 27302953

‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea questioned for leaving out £38m ‘machine’

Anthony Wilson March 8, 2026

‘It was crazy!’ – Chelsea’s Decision to Loan Out £38m Defender Sparks Debate

El Hadji Malick Diouf, West Ham’s left-back, has highlighted the remarkable contribution of Axel Disasi since his arrival at the club, expressing astonishment that the French defender was not given more opportunities at Chelsea. The 27-year-old, signed for a record £38 million from Monaco in 2023, faced significant challenges in adapting to life at Stamford Bridge.

Disasi’s debut season with Chelsea was a mix of promise and inconsistency. Despite the high-profile transfer, he struggled to meet expectations and was eventually loaned to Aston Villa in the middle of the 2024/25 campaign. Upon returning to Chelsea, he remained sidelined for much of the season, making no appearances in the first half before departing for West Ham on a temporary move.

Now at West Ham, Disasi has quickly become a key figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defensive setup. His performances have been steady, with only one loss in his first six league matches. Diouf, who has partnered him in all five of his first league games for the Hammers, emphasized his value in a

“The guy is not a small player! It was crazy he stayed for so long without playing, but when he came here, he showed he’s a machine!”

interview with the club’s official website.

Disasi’s current loan with West Ham has raised questions about Chelsea’s decision-making. With three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, the club’s approach has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the Hammers prepare for their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brentford. A strong showing in the match could bolster their chances of staying in the Premier League after a difficult winter.

West Ham’s recent resurgence, including four league wins in 2026, has restored confidence. They now sit level with Nottingham Forest in the table, and a victory over Manchester City could push them up to 15th. Espirito Santo, reflecting on their latest win at Fulham, stated:

“It’s a special night because we did a good game in a tough, tough stadium against a very good team, with a great manager and fantastic players. We know how hard it is to come here and achieve a result. That’s what pleases us the most. We don’t measure belief; we always have it. What we need is improvement. Today was a big day for us, but the situation never changed. Nothing has changed. It required a lot more from all of us.”

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