Too posh for the Championship | The one West Ham really, really wanted to keep

Ask a bunch of West Ham fans which signing made the biggest impact on the club’s relegation battle last season and there’d probably be almost unanimous agreement.

The Hammers had been struggling defensively and shipping goals with Kilman, Mavropanos and Todibo between them failing to provide solidity or security at the back, so much so that the Irons descended into the relegation zone before 2025 was finished.

In truth, the damage was already done but the arrival of Axel Disasi on deadline day, 2nd February 2026 almost – almost- did the trick.

Disasi was an instant hit, transforming both West Ham’s clean sheet tally and the performance of his partner Dinos Mavropanos. Despite relegation on the last day, West Ham fans and management alike were ever optimistic that Disasi could be convinced to sign for West Ham in the second tier after his evident joy at being involved in first team football and the accolades he received as a Hammer.

Sadly, Disasi chose not to follow the Hammers through the trap door, evidently feeling he was too posh for the Championship, despite a deal having been pencilled in between Chelsea and West Ham for his signature this season.

Eventually signing on a season-long loan for Crystal Palace, Disasi has made one full 90 minute appearance for the Eagles in the Premier League and received a calamitous red card last time out against Ipswich Town in a game which Ipswich ultimately won 3-2. The defender subsequently has to serve a three game ban for the card and his late, clumsy challenge.

Fair to say it isn’t the impact Disasi would have hoped for at Crystal Palace. He’s not available now until after the 22nd October thanks to his suspension and must be questioning his choice to head south despite West Ham’s evident desire to keep him.