Axel Disasi will return to Chelsea from his loan spell at West Ham United, presenting Xabi Alonso with a big decision to make on his future.
Disasi was loaned to West Ham in January by Liam Rosenior after being frozen out under Enzo Maresca, and despite the Irons suffering relegation on the final day, the French defender enjoyed a productive spell at the London Stadium.
The Hammers earned 17 points from the 14 games he started in the second half of the season, forming a strong partnership with Konstantinos Mavropanos in the heart of defence and keeping six clean sheets in the Premier League.
From being an outcast at Stamford Bridge to receiving adoration from the West Ham fans, Disasi arguably didn't want his loan to end, and he's now addressed the club and supporters with a message on social media.
Axel Disasi sends heartfelt West Ham message
"Thankful to @westham for everything.
"From day one, you welcomed me as one of your own and gave me your trust, especially during a difficult period in my career. I always tried to give everything of myself every time I wore this shirt, despite the difficult outcome for all of us this season.
"I will always be grateful for the support, the people I met and the moments shared together.
"I wish the club, the fans and everyone around West Ham nothing but the very best for the future. I truly hope the club comes back stronger and competing where it deserves to be. COYI"
Disasi posted that statement on Instagram, thanking the fans and everyone associated with the club after becoming a vital part of the furniture under Nuno.
Remarkably, the 28-year-old hasn't featured in the Premier League for Chelsea in over two years, and ironically, an eight-minute cameo in a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham on May 5, 2024, was his last top-flight appearance for the club.
Chelsea's plan for Disasi is clear
Alonso's transfer plans at Stamford Bridge will begin with overhauling the defence. As it stands, the Spaniard has 10 centre-backs on the books, including Disasi, and he will want to vastly trim down that number once the window opens.
Disasi joins Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr, Levi Colwill, and the other returning loanee, Aaron Anselmino.
Badiashile, Chalobah, Fofana, and Tosin have all been linked with an exit, while Disasi is also attracting admirers ahead of a pivotal summer.
West Ham wanted to sign the Frenchman, but the cost of being relegated means that it is no longer possible, and according to Foot Mercato, "several clubs have already begun making inquiries about his situation."
Aston Villa entre dans la danse pour rapatrier Axel Disasi, mais la concurrence est réelle avec West Ham et Fulham. Les Hammers tiennent la corde pour l’instant, mais tout dépendra du prix fixé par Chelsea cet été. #AVFC #WHUFC #FFC #Mercato
— Sébastien Vidal (@SebEcrivainFoot) April 14, 2026
Fulham and Aston Villa, where Disasi featured prominently on loan last term, have been linked with the powerful centre-back. But everything will depend on the asking price Chelsea sets, and how much they're willing to lose on the £38.5 million they paid for him in August 2023.
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