Report: West Ham United want to sign £38m-rated defender | OneFootball

Report: West Ham United want to sign £38m-rated defender | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: EPL Index

EPL Index

·12 March 2026

Report: West Ham United want to sign £38m-rated defender

Article image:Report: West Ham United want to sign £38m-rated defender

West Ham Considering Permanent Axel Disasi Deal Amid Uncertain Valuation

West Ham United are weighing up the possibility of signing Axel Disasi on a permanent basis, although several factors remain unresolved. According to reporting from the Daily Mail, the Hammers admire the defender’s impact since arriving in January, yet a full transfer is far from guaranteed.

Article image:Report: West Ham United want to sign £38m-rated defender

Photo IMAGO


OneFootball Videos


The situation reflects both footballing and financial considerations. West Ham’s Premier League status remains uncertain, while Chelsea’s expectations for a transfer fee have not yet been clarified.

Survival Battle Shapes West Ham Transfer Plans

Any long term decision over Disasi appears closely tied to West Ham’s league position. As noted in the Daily Mail report, the club intend to explore a permanent move “if and when they secure Premier League survival.”

That caveat matters. The Hammers currently sit 18th in the table, although recent performances have offered encouragement.

Disasi’s presence has coincided with improved defensive stability. West Ham have lost only one of the five league matches he has started since joining the club on loan. Those results have helped create a sense of cautious optimism around the London Stadium.

For a side navigating a tense relegation battle, the defender’s consistency has quickly become valuable.

Valuation Questions Complicate Potential Deal

While West Ham rate Disasi highly, financial realities will shape negotiations. The Daily Mail reports that club sources believe his value has “fallen considerably since he was bought for £38.8million from Monaco in 2023.”

That price is considered unrealistic from West Ham’s perspective.

Hammers officials are understood to admire the player’s qualities but are reluctant to approach the figure originally paid by Chelsea. Any potential deal would likely require a more flexible valuation from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Article image:Report: West Ham United want to sign £38m-rated defender

Photo IMAGO

Another factor is the interest Disasi could attract elsewhere. European clubs are expected to monitor his form during the closing months of the season, particularly if Chelsea signal that the defender is available for transfer.

Influence Growing at London Stadium

Disasi’s contribution has extended beyond matchdays. According to the Daily Mail, the defender has also been influential behind the scenes since arriving at West Ham.

He joined the club on deadline day in January after negotiations over personal terms required careful discussion. One source revealed he had been earning “slightly more than £100,000 per week at Chelsea.”

West Ham paid a £1.7m loan fee to secure his services, a move that has quickly strengthened their defensive options.

Since arriving, the French defender has started every Premier League match available to him under Nuno Espirito Santo. That level of trust from the coaching staff illustrates how quickly he has integrated into the squad.

For now, the conversation around a permanent transfer remains open ended. Much will depend on West Ham’s survival prospects, Chelsea’s expectations and the defender’s own ambitions once the season reaches its conclusion.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

West Ham supporters have watched the defence struggle for consistency this season, so the arrival of a composed and experienced centre back has been welcome. Disasi has quickly become a reassuring presence in a team that has often looked vulnerable at the back.

Supporters will also appreciate the improvement in results since he joined. Losing only one of five matches he has started suggests his influence goes beyond simple statistics.

At the same time, many West Ham fans will agree with the club’s reported stance on valuation. Paying close to £38.8m for a player who was not a regular starter at Chelsea would feel excessive given the club’s current priorities.

Survival must remain the first objective.

If West Ham stay in the Premier League and Chelsea lower their expectations, supporters would likely welcome a permanent deal. Disasi appears comfortable in east London and his leadership qualities have been noticeable.

However, the club must remain careful with finances. Fans have seen how quickly transfer decisions can shape the future of a squad.

For now, most West Ham supporters will simply hope the defender continues performing at the same level during the run in. If that happens, the case for keeping him permanently will only grow stronger.

View publisher imprint