With Jean-Clair Todibo now suspended for three games following his red card against Chelsea, West Ham United needed to bring in a center-back. They need someone solid who can partner with Konstantinos Mavropanos, especially with Max Kilman out of form.
It would have been better to sign a player with more potential, such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis permently. However, a move for the Southampton defender never came to fruition.
The loan signing of Axel Disasi until the end of the season shows how desperate the club is. Disasi has not played for Chelsea's first team this season, but has featured in Premier League 2 for their Under-21s.
There have been underwhelming signings in the past that have exceeded expectations. Not many would have expected Craig Dawson's loan from Watford to end up working so well for the Hammers. Dawson's form earned him a permanent move, and he went on to star domestically and in Europe for West Ham.
Can Axel Disasi rediscover the form of his early career?
Disasi's career has stalled recently; he has been frozen out at Chelsea, and his loan to Aston Villa failed to revitalize his career. However, he shone in France for Paris FC, Stade de Reims, and AS Monaco. This form earned him a £38 million move to Chelsea. He is still tied to the Stamford Bridge side until 2029.
Disasi also earned five caps for France. He made three appearances at the Qatar World Cup which included a cameo in the final against Argentina. Unfortunately, for Disasi, Les Bleus went on to lose that fixture on penalties. Since then, Disasi has made just two substitute appearances in European Qualifiers. His last game for France was a 2-2 draw with Greece back in 2023.
He needs game time, which he will get at West Ham. The Hammers are still in the relegation zone, but recent performances have given fans a glimmer of hope. The wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland boosted their chances of staying in the division. However, the 3-2 loss to Chelsea, with the Hammers surrendering a two-goal lead, brought the club back down to earth.
Tempers flared at the end of the game with Todibo grabbing Joao Pedro around the neck. West Ham need players with fight, but cannot afford to have someone who is going to do something as reckless as that. Disasi is 27 now and should be ready to make up for lost time with West Ham.