Graham Potter, Theo Hernandez
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Fri 4 July 2025 15:10, UK
Graham Potter is no doubt eager to overhaul his West Ham United squad ahead of his first full season in charge.
The Hammers have been linked to numerous players, including Independiente defender Kevin Lomonaco.
Former Leeds United man Charlie Cresswell is also on the East London outfit’s radar, with defence being a priority in the transfer market.
Niclas Fullkrug’s time at the London Stadium could be nearing an end after a disappointing season, with West Ham not standing in the way of any potential exit for the German international.
Niclas Fullkrug
Niclas Fullkrug has failed to impress since joining West Ham (Credit: Imago)
West Ham closing in on Diouf signing
The Irons look to be closing in on a record-breaking deal to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.
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Recent reports state that West Ham must pay £21.5million to secure their man. This fee would break the record and become the highest amount a team in the Czech First League have received for a player.
Diouf, 20, mainly operates as a left-back but can also play wing-back.
With Aaron Cresswell’s departure, left-back is an obvious gap in the squad that needs to be filled, but West Ham may be in line to secure a sizeable upgrade.
According to FBref, one of the players Diouf is most similar to is AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez.
The French international is regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position, and the comparisons will excite the West Ham faithful.
Stats Theo Hernandez El Hadji Malick Diouf
Assists (per 90 mins) 0.1 0.09
Shots on target (per 90 mins) 0.47 0.79
Shots (per 90 mins) 1.44 1.67
Goals per shot on target 0.29 0.39
Diouf has similar attacking output to one of the best left-backs in the world.
Diouf assists 0.09 goals per 90 minutes, compared to 0.10 for Hernandez, while they average 0.18 and 0.13 yellow cards.
They also both like to shoot – Diouf averaging 1.67 to Hernandez’s 1.44. There is also little between them in terms of average number of interceptions (0.96 v 0.57 respectively per 90) and tackles won (0.93 v 0.79).
While the competitiveness of the two leagues the pair play in must be taken into account, there are clear similarities in terms of their styles of play based on these numbers.
El Hadji Malick Diouf
Diouf looks set to join West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Wan-Bissaka could help unlock Diouf at West Ham
In Aaron Wan Bissaka, the Hammers have one of the best defensive full-backs around.
When West Ham have the ball next season, Wan-Bissaka could tuck in alongside the two centre backs and allow Diouf to continue to bomb forward similarly to how he’s been able to a Slavia Prague.
The 20-year-old notched seven league goals last season, and if he can reach anywhere near that tally in the Premier League, then West Ham will know for sure they have a special talent on their hands.
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