Leeds United are reportedly preparing to move aggressively for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi this summer — but only if West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League.
According to reports from Football Insider, Leeds believe they could move to the front of the queue for the French centre-back should West Ham fail to survive the drop. The situation has become one of the more intriguing transfer stories developing around the Premier League relegation battle.
Disasi has impressed during his loan spell at West Ham since arriving from Chelsea in February, quickly becoming one of the club’s most reliable defenders during a chaotic season. His resurgence has reportedly reignited interest from several clubs — with Leeds now emerging as serious contenders for his signature.
West Ham’s Relegation Fear Could Change Everything
West Ham currently sit deep in relegation trouble with only a handful of matches remaining. Recent defeats to Arsenal and poor overall form have left their Premier League status hanging by a thread.
Reports suggest Disasi would actually be open to staying permanently at the London Stadium after rebuilding his confidence and form under Nuno Espírito Santo. However, any permanent deal appears heavily dependent on West Ham remaining in the top flight.
If the Hammers are relegated, both the financial impact and the player’s own ambitions could make a long-term stay extremely difficult.
That scenario is exactly what Leeds United are monitoring closely.
Leeds Have Been Tracking Disasi for Months
Leeds were already interested in Disasi during the winter transfer window before the defender ultimately chose West Ham on loan. Now, after securing Premier League survival, Daniel Farke’s side are reportedly revisiting the move ahead of the summer.
The Yorkshire club are expected to strengthen defensively this summer and see Disasi as an experienced Premier League-level defender capable of immediately improving their back line.
Football Insider claims Leeds are increasingly confident they could land the 28-year-old if West Ham are relegated.
Chelsea Ready to Sell
Disasi does not appear to have a future at Chelsea despite still being under contract until 2029.
After falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca, the French international rebuilt his reputation during loan spells away from the club, first at Aston Villa and now at West Ham.
Chelsea are reportedly open to selling the defender permanently this summer as part of another major squad reshuffle. Leeds, West Ham, Fulham, and Aston Villa have all been linked with interest in recent weeks.
A Huge Summer Ahead for West Ham
Losing Disasi would represent another major blow for West Ham if relegation becomes reality.
The defender has brought leadership, physicality, and stability to a struggling side, and many fans already view him as one of the few positives from an otherwise disastrous campaign.
But if the club drops into the Championship, holding onto players of Premier League quality could become nearly impossible — especially with clubs like Leeds waiting for opportunities in the market.
For now, West Ham’s survival battle remains the key factor.
Because if they go down, Leeds United may be ready to strike immediately.
