West Ham in talks to sign defender who dominated Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe

If Axel Disasi does complete a move across London from Chelsea to West Ham United, the Hammers can expect far more than just physical strength and tactical versatility.

At his best, Disasi is a centre-back who thrives on the biggest stages, often delivering his strongest performances when the pressure is at its highest.

Ask Chelsea supporters about Disasi’s standout moments at Stamford Bridge and many will instantly recall his commanding display against Erling Haaland and Manchester City.

It was a defensive showing of such authority that Jamie Carragher likened him to a peak-era John Terry — praise rarely handed out lightly.

West Ham would not, of course, be acquiring Disasi at the absolute height of his powers. The former Monaco defender has not featured in a single first-team match this season, having slipped down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggesting a loan move was close may have been premature, with Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior insisting no deal is imminent.

Still, should an agreement be struck before Monday’s deadline, West Ham would be landing a centre-half with plenty to prove, a burning desire for regular football, and a personality well suited to the high-stakes relegation battle facing Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

A proven big-game performer

Disasi’s Chelsea career began in fitting fashion with a debut goal against Liverpool in a 1–1 draw in 2023, immediately reinforcing his reputation as a player for the big occasions. That status was cemented months later at the Etihad, where he produced a towering performance to keep Haaland — a striker who has tormented West Ham repeatedly — firmly in check.

“I can’t remember a better defensive performance this season from a centre-back,” Carragher said on Sky Sports at the time. “Coming away to Manchester City and playing against the best striker in the world, he was outstanding. That was a John Terry performance — and that’s the highest praise I can give.”

Disasi’s display was a throwback to an earlier era of defending: backs to the wall, bodies on the line, and total commitment. He finished the match with 16 clearances, the most recorded by any player across the entire 2023/24 Premier League season.

A solution to West Ham’s defensive issues

West Ham have been searching for a Craig Dawson-style presence ever since the popular centre-back departed in 2023. While Jean-Clair Todibo offers composure on the ball, he ranks among the league’s weakest defenders aerially.

Max Kilman fares little better, and despite Konstantinos Mavropanos’ physicality, the Hammers have struggled badly when dealing with crosses and set-pieces.

Disasi, by contrast, ranks in the 98th percentile for aerial duels won during his time at Chelsea. Standing at 6ft 3in, he matched Haaland’s power stride for stride and brings a defensive mindset West Ham have sorely lacked in recent seasons.

“Everyone saw Axel celebrate a clearance like a goal,” former Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic once said. “That lifted the whole team and gave us momentum.”

Strengths, flaws, and versatility

Disasi’s profile is not without its drawbacks. That he has fallen out of favour at Chelsea — despite inconsistency elsewhere in their defence — raises questions. His career has also featured the occasional lapse in concentration, something West Ham would need to manage carefully.

Mauricio Pochettino, who coached Chelsea during the 2023/24 campaign, previously faced Disasi while he was at Monaco and highlighted his positional flexibility, having used him both centrally and at right-back. Disasi’s mixed record against Kylian Mbappe — from dominant performances to costly errors — perhaps best captures the balance of his game.

“My size is an advantage,” Disasi once explained. “I’m strong in the air, good at anticipating danger, and I try to play out from the back cleanly while always following the coach’s instructions.”

If West Ham succeed in securing the once-forgotten man of Cobham, they can expect dominant aerial displays, occasional mistakes, and standout performances against elite opposition — a risk, perhaps, but one that could prove decisive in a season where survival hangs in the balance.