El Hadji Malick Diouf, Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Andrew Beharie
Sat 12 July 2025 9:11, UK
West Ham United have been heavily linked with Slavia Prague wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.
Diouf, 20, had a breakout season in the Czech Republic last season, making 41 appearances in all competitions as Slavia won the Chance Liga title.
After Crystal Palace dropped out of the race for Diouf last week, the Hammers have emerged as the favourites to sign the Senegalese international.
Graham Potter’s side have seen an initial £17.25million bid rejected for Diouf, but their chances of signing the defender have increased after the latest development.
El Hadji Malick Diouf
El Hadji Malick Diouf looks set to join West Ham United this summer (Credit: Imago)
West Ham set to place improved bid as Diouf banned from training
Czech champions Slavia have been stubborn so far in their stance on their wing-back sensation, wanting £21.5m for the Senegal man.
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However, Diouf is adamant on the move away from Slavia, and his manager has taken action.
Slavia boss Jindrich Trpisovsky has banned Diouf from taking part in team training, stating his decision is to avoid the defender getting injured ahead of his move.
Speaking last week, Trpisovsky hailed Diouf as he said: “He is a player who has extraordinary quality, he will have it in the future.
“It is necessary that Slavia’s demands are satisfied. We take it as if we are without him.”
Now, Give Me Sport (11 July) have reported that an improved bid is expected for the Senegalese international from the Hammers in the coming days, with Leeds United and Palace threatening to enter the race to sign him.
West Ham are worried that Diouf’s fee is going to be inflated due to their recent sale of Mohammad Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur, and do not want to be dragged into a bidding war.
Diouf, for his part, is said to want the move.
Should the Irons get a deal over the line, it is hoped it will help turn the tide of what has been a disappointing transfer window thus far.
Graham Potter smiling West Ham
Potter looks close to securing Diouf’s services this summer after the defender was banned from training (Credit: Imago)
Diouf to take Emerson’s role as West Ham left-back
Although the deal could turn complicated if Leeds and Palace join the race, West Ham need to secure the wing-back’s services this summer.
The Hammers are in desperate need of attacking talent for a strike force that only scored 46 Premier League goals last term.
2024/25 league stats Appearances Goals Assists
El Hadji Malick Diouf 24 7 3
Emerson 31 2 1
Diouf is a major attack upgrade over Emerson
Diouf unlocks a new element to the left wing that Emerson cannot, being able to overlap and provide width to stretch opponents.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka available for defensive stability, the Senegalese defender will have the freedom to help unlock defences for a talented but underperforming West Ham frontline.
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