Diouf’s squad revealed as West Ham’s new man undergoes medical
West Ham are hoping to seal the signing of Senegalese full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Hammers are yet to confirm the arrival of any new incomings this summer, with Jean-Clair Todibo the only official signing following his loan last season.
But after Mohammed Kudus’ £55million departure to Tottenham was sanctioned last week, West Ham are expected to accelerate potential business.
Graham Potter is hoping to have several new options at his disposal before the Premier League’s return, with the former Chelsea boss needing a positive start to the season.
West Ham number confirmed for Diouf
West Ham look to be on the verge of completing the signing of Diouf, after weeks of negotiations.
The London club made the full-back one of their top targets for this summer, but talks with Slavia Prague dragged amid the Czech club’s reluctance to let the 20-year-old go.
But on Sunday (July 13), West Ham finally found the breakthrough, and a bid was accepted that would see Diouf make the switch to the Premier League.
The left-back caught eyes in the Czech first division last season when he scored seven goals and provided three assists as Slavia Prague charged to the league title.
| El Hadji Malick Diouf | Slavia Prague (2024-25) |
| Appearances | 50 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 4 |
Capable of going both ways, Diouf played the majority of his minutes in an advanced position for the side from the Czech capital.
However, the 20-year-old’s defensive capabilities were on full display for his national team when he got the better of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, as Senegal beat England 3-1 at the City Ground in June.
Diouf completed his medical on Monday (July 14) and has been allocated the number 12 shirt at West Ham, according to The West Ham Way (July 15).
Confirmation of his signing is expected imminently.
Diouf would give Potter a different dimension
Diouf, while more than capable defensively, excels in the attacking area of the pitch.
The Senegal international is strong and quick, and is not afraid of bombing forward to get on the end of a cross-field pass, or even a cross.
While Emerson Palmieri has been a consistent performer for the Hammers, Diouf would allow Potter an extra attacker to join in the attacking phase of play.
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