El Hadji Malick Diouf to be in West Ham shop window after Senegal World Cup announcement
El Hadji Malick Diouf will be heading to the World Cup with Senegal, with the West Ham United defender receiving a call-up.
Diouf has been hit or miss lately for the Irons, but throughout the season his attacking qualities from the left side of defence have been a threat.
The 21-year-old has picked up five assists in the Premier League this season so far in 31 appearances, and he will hope to extend that against Leeds this weekend.
When it comes to defensive players in the English top flight, only Lucas Digne has more assists, with six, than the Senegal international.
So, the World Cup call-up is certainly deserved, but ahead of West Ham’s transfer business, it could also play a part there too.
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Why West Ham will be pleased with Malick Diouf call-up
If West Ham get relegated, it has been reported they have to pull in £100million worth of player sales to help with the loss of revenue.
It is not an ideal scenario, but with it being a World Cup year, there is plenty of opportunity to generate that cash.
| El Hadji Malick Diouf for Senegal | Info |
| First cap | 9 September 2024 vs Burundi (1-0 win) |
| Total caps | 18 |
| First World Cup | 2026 |
Players such as Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville will undoubtedly help alleviate financial fears with any potential sale.
However, Diouf is also likely to join that class after he was called up for Senegal. The World Cup is a festival of football, and is projected to see millions of people tune in.
He could inflate his value for the Hammers at this tournament, and that will please the owners if sales are needed.
Hopefully, it won’t even matter in the end, with West Ham securing a win against Leeds with Tottenham falling on their sword against Everton.
Who will Malick Diouf face in the World Cup?
Senegal have been handed one of the tougher groups in the World Cup, lining up against France and Norway in this summer’s tournament.
The Lions of Teranga have also drawn against Iraq. With that level of opposition, Diouf will certainly be on show to plenty of people.
With strong performances against tough nations such as France, where he is potentially up against the likes of Ousmane Dembele or Michael Olise, Diouf could truly increase his already high reputation in the world of football.
Interest from Manchester United has previously been mooted, but with this call-up, he could put himself in the window for lots of others.