Diouf trains alone amid West Ham bids as ‘extraordinary’ claim emerges
El Hadji Malick Diouf has never been closer to signing for West Ham this summer.
West Ham are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements after an abysmal display in the Premier League last season.
Indeed, the Hammers conceded 62 goals, just three behind Tottenham, who had one of their worst league finishes to date. The goal tally meant that Graham Potter’s side ended the season having conceded the sixth most goals in the league.
As a result, the East London club are almost guaranteed to enter the new season with several defensive recruits. In addition to the permanent signing of Jean-Clair Todibo following his successful loan spell, Diouf could be the latest player to arrive at the London Stadium.
Slavia Prague head coach confirms Diouf departure is imminent
Diouf has emerged as one of West Ham’s top targets to strengthen their defensive line next season.
The Hammers have already seen a £17.25million bid rejected, with Slavia Prague demanding a total package of £21.6m. This includes the £17.25m up front as well as additional add-ons.
However, things seem to be looking up for the London club after Slavia head coach Jindřich Trpišovský provided an update on Diouf’s situation following their third pre-season game.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| El Hadji Malick Diouf | 41 | 7 | 4 |
As reported by SK Slavia Praha via Česká Televize Sport on Sunday (6 June), he said: “It’s still the same. We all suspect that a transfer will happen. It’s a matter of time. It’s being handled by the club’s management, Mr. Tvrdík and Jirka Bílek.
“Malick has an individual program, we don’t want anything to happen. He’s a player who has extraordinary quality, he’ll have it for the future. Slavia’s demands need to be satisfied. We take it as being without him.”
West Ham must get Diouf’s signing over the line
The Hammers will not want a repeat of last season, where they finished 14th in the Premier League.
There is no doubt that West Ham are doing the correct thing by strengthening their squad. But Diouf is a signing that the club need to make happen before pre-season begins.
Indeed, Diouf’s age and lack of experience playing for a European side could present a problem for Potter. As a result, he will need pre-season to give him a better chance of adapting to the pace of the Premier League.
Therefore, West Ham will need to get his signing over the line soon to give him the best chance of success.
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