El Hadji Malick Diouf told to ‘take the next step’ as West Ham exit fears grow
Former Senegal international, Yatma Diop, has urged El Hadji Malick Diouf to move on from West Ham already.
Since arriving from Slavia Prague in the summer, Diouf has been one of West Ham’s most influential players, but that has come at a cost.
Several Premier League clubs have already been mooted with an interest in the left-back, with it only likely to grow if the Hammers are relegated to the Championship.
Amid that growing interest, Diop, a former Senegal international, has urged the 21-year-old to take the next step in his career.
Yatma Diop moots summer transfer for El Hadji Malick Diouf
Diouf joined the Irons in a deal worth around £19million, and signed a long-term contract at the London Stadium.
That will put West Ham in good standing to make a healthy profit if he is to move on in the summer, which feels almost inevitable unless the Hammers can avoid the drop.
And in an interview with Africa Foot, Diop believes that the left-back needs to make the move to progress his career further.
He said: “He’s very strong and on a great run of form. If there’s interest from other Premier League clubs who also play in European competitions, why not?
“He also needs to take the next step in his career, especially since he’s an African Cup of Nations champion and will be participating in the next World Cup in a few months with Senegal, if all goes well.
“But everything will depend on West Ham, where he’s still under contract.”
West Ham have already identified a replacement for Diouf
Given the role he has played this season, Diouf would need to be replaced adequately, and the Hammers may already know who will fill his boots.
Souffian El Karouani has been linked with West Ham since the winter transfer window, and that interest remains strong heading into the summer.
The 25-year-old has 19 assists for Utrecht this season, but his out of contract there at the end of the current campaign.
El Karouani has created a remarkable 72 chances in the Eredivisie this season, while also having completed 82 crosses, which is more than any other player in the top-flight of Dutch football.
It’s been reported that he has his heart set on a move to the Premier League, amid interest from Leeds United among other top-flight clubs, with a decision to be made on his future at the end of the season.
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