Premier League Rival Rescues Chelsea from Massive Squad Exodus Crisis
Axel Disasi has finally escaped his half-season exile by completing a loan transfer to Chelsea's cross-town rivals West Ham United on the final day of the transfer window.
The ex-France defender, who featured for his national team in the 2022 World Cup final, has experienced a significant decline in recent seasons. Enzo Maresca lost confidence in the unpredictable center-back sufficiently to approve a six-month loan spell at Aston Villa during the latter portion of last season. However, following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Unai Emery's team couldn't afford to make the deal permanent.
Disasi came back to Chelsea during the summer break only to discover himself among the notorious "bomb squad." Completely excluded from all senior team activities, including practice sessions and match squads, Disasi was compelled to lurk in the periphery at Cobham alongside fellow outcast Raheem Sterling throughout the opening half of this season after being unable to secure a departure during the summer window.
Liam Rosenior took over from Maresca on January 1st and immediately brought the 27-year-old defender back into the fold. Sterling remained excluded from senior training and eventually ended his lucrative deal with the club five days prior to the window's closure.
Having been granted the privilege—or fundamental right, from another viewpoint—of practicing with his colleagues, Disasi has been progressing toward complete match readiness in preparation for a January transfer. West Ham have become his pathway out after paying a £1.7 million ($2.3 million) loan fee, according to BBC Sport.
There had been rumors connecting him with French club Lyon and Italian side Roma, but Chelsea's London neighbors have secured his signature. The Hammers desperately need additions of any caliber in their increasingly urgent battle to stay in the Premier League.
"I'm delighted to be here, to have this chance," Disasi stated during his unveiling late Monday night. "I'm simply prepared to compete and participate in matches.
"It's a thrilling challenge. We understand that the club isn't where it ought to be, but I'm here to assist the squad and contribute whatever I can to reach our objective."
Stamford Bridge, quite ironically, served as the venue for West Ham's most recent display of inconsistent form. Nuno Espírito Santo's team thoroughly deserved their 2–0 halftime advantage but collapsed completely after the break, conceding three consecutive goals. They possess the league's poorest defensive statistics.
Subject to his physical condition, Disasi might be included as early as this weekend's crucial encounter against fellow relegation candidates Burnley following Jean-Clair Todibo's dismissal for grabbing João Pedro during the final moments of Sunday's loss to Chelsea.
"Everyone understands my circumstances over recent months," Disasi admitted, "so I simply want to return to the pitch, experience the feeling of competitive matches and support the team."
Chelsea 'Reject' Premier League Approach for Academy Gem
Chelsea 'Reject' Premier League Approach for Academy Gem
One player Chelsea were determined not to part with was Josh Acheampong. The youth prospect received a late loan inquiry from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day, according to The Guardian. Chelsea's answer was immediate: absolutely not.
Acheampong isn't yet a consistent member of Chelsea's first team but has impressed whenever given opportunities. Able to play as a center-back or in the demanding right-back position that requires moving centrally as well as attacking down the wing, there are numerous reasons why the 19-year-old talent has been labeled as a future star.
Considering their own shortage of defensive options, Chelsea cannot afford to let go of anyone who might contribute to the senior squad, regardless of how limited their role. No such concerns existed regarding the ostracized Disasi.