This week, Leeds United saw a move turned down for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, and now, The Whites have missed out to West Ham in pursuit of another target.
Despite confirmation that Gabriel Gudmundsson had arrived at Elland Road, many Leeds fans are feeling somewhat frustrated that the club has failed to bring in any more new signings, including Sean Longstaff.
A third offer of £12m has been rejected. While LeedsUnited.News understands a fourth offer is possible, Leeds don’t feel signing Longstaff is likely. Even if Newcastle have identified a replacement in Jack Rudoni.
Leeds have been linked with plenty of other players of late, with Longstaff just one of several options the club are trying to sign. Another is Slavia Prague’s Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.
Graham Potter looks on as his West Ham side face Leicester.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Leeds lose out to West Ham in chase for El Hadji Malick Diouf
Leeds are said to have shown interest in Diouf, with reports emerging after Leeds fans urged their club to sign the Senegal star after he kept Bukayo Saka quiet during Senegal’s 3-1 win over England at Forest.
Slavia Prague’s manager has confirmed £21.6m Diouf is training alone, and has not been involved in any of his side’s pre-season fixtures. A clear attempt to keep him injury-free ahead of a potential transfer.
West Ham were always a leading candidate for Diouf and with Leeds signing Gabriel Gudmundsson, the interest emanating from Elland Road is likely to have dissipated somewhat. Now, West Ham are closing in.
El Hadji Malick Diouf in action for Senegal against England.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
A report from Foot Mercato writer Santi Aouna confirms that Diouf is on his way to West Ham for a medical next week after the Hammers finally agreed a fee with Slavia Prague to land the Senegal player.
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Aouna said: “Full agreement reached between West Ham and Slavia Prague for Diouf. Diouf will undergo medical next week. Diouf will play his last game today with Slavia Prague, say goodbye to teammates.”
🚨EXCL: ⚒️🇸🇳 #PL |
🔐 Full agreement reached between West Ham and Slavia Prague for El Hadji Malick Diouf
🩺✈️ Diouf will undergo medical next week with the Hammers
✍️ Diouf will play his last game today with Slavia Prague and say goodbye to his teammate… pic.twitter.com/cPdKLOTo6H
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) July 13, 2025
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What Slavia Prague chairman has said about left-back Diouf
Gudmundsson’s arrival does lessen the need for Diouf, but the Senegal ace’s versatility may have seen Leeds remain interested somewhat. Like Stuart Dallas, he can play centrally in defence or in midfield.
Or, either side of the attack. Left-back, wing-back or left of a back three, Diouf has done it all. Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdík thinks Diouf is the best player to play for Slavia Prague in 10 years.
“We know his value. Diouf is probably the best player who has been here in the last ten years, potential for the future. A footballer with a typology that a potential buyer will sell for several times in a few years.”
But while Leeds land themselves Gudmundsson, West Ham look set to buy Diouf. It will be interesting to see if Leeds have got the better deal, signing Gudmundsson for less than half the fee paid to sign Diouf.