El Hadji Malick Diouf succession plan in place at West Ham as early deal lined up
West Ham may already be on the lookout for someone to fill the boots of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Nuno Espirito Santo will have one focus, and one focus only, at West Ham between now and the end of May, and that will be to stay in the Premier League.
The Hammers are four points adrift of safety with 10 games left to play, with some difficult fixtures ahead.
Only when their Premier League status is assured will they concern themselves with summer transfer business, though with an early deal already lined up, they may already be planning for life after Diouf.
Souffian El Karouani could replace El Hadji Malick Diouf
Reports have already emerged over the last few weeks connecting Diouf with a potential exit from West Ham in the summer, though that will come as little surprise given the progress he has made in such a short space of time.
The 21-year-old has registered five assists in his first season in the Premier League, while also having won 92 defensive duels.
He’s been an integral component at West Ham this season, but the Irons have since been linked with a summer move for Souffian El Karouani.
The Utrecht defender has registered an incredible 19 assists from left-back across all competitions this season, and his contract in Holland is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
West Ham will not want to lose Diouf this early into his time in English football, but if that were to be the case, El Karouani would be a shrewd replacement.
Read more: Souffian El Karouani decides on Premier League transfer as West Ham eye summer deal
Which left-back suits West Ham the most?
Ultimately, that will come down to how Nuno wants his side to look next season.
Presuming the Hammers can avoid relegation, they look likely to stick with a back four next season, which may be suited more to Diouf.
While they are both attacking wing-backs by trade, Diouf has a lot more defensive awareness about him, whereas El Karouani thrives in the forward areas.
If Nuno were to change to a back five, then that would likely suit the latter more, given the fact that he has created a remarkable 70 chances this season.
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