El Hadji Malick Diouf was brought on as a 90th minute substitute for a classy send-off by Slavia Prague — and what happened next will excite his new club West Ham.
A successful medical is now the only thing standing between West Ham and a long-awaited first signing of the summer transfer window.
They say 13 is unlucky for some – but July 13 is the day the Graham Potter revolution kicked into gear as West Ham finally agreed a deal to sign young left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Hammers have been at an impasse over a deal for Diouf after seeing £17m and £17.5m bids rejected with Slavia Prague wanting £21.5m.
Hammers chief David Sullivan was urged to get the deal done when it emerged Senegal star Diouf had given the green light to West Ham ahead of the likes of Leeds and Atalanta.
West Ham finally close on first permanent Potter signing
That’s exactly what happened 24 hours later as the Irons reached a compromise of around £19.5m with add-ons to be paid for certain achievements and milestones.
Hammers News reported top sources from the Czech Republic claiming the Diouf deal was done on Sunday.
Those reports stated that Diouf would be given a send-off by Slavia Prague during their friendly with Dynamo Dresden at Fortuna Arena.
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That stadium holds very fond memories for West Ham fans as it was the scene of the club’s Europa Conference League triumph two years ago.
El Hadji Malick Diouf playing for Slavia Prague in the Europa League
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Now Hammers fans have another reason to hold that stadium dear.
Because what happened when Diouf came on for a classy Slavia farewell will excite West Ham.
With the pacy 20-year-old Senegal star set to fly to London for a medical this week, Slavia’s packed home friendly against Dresden provided the perfect opportunity for a farewell.
And Diouf’s final outing tells West Ham everything they need to know about the kind of player and character they are getting.
Diouf’s classy farewell will excite West Ham
There was not a dry eye in the house as fans and Diouf were visibly emotional when he was summoned by manager Jindřich Trpišovský to come on in the 90th minute of their friendly match, which saw a packed home crowd and 5,000 Dresden fans in attendance.
Almost to a man the Slavia coaching staff stood up to embrace Diouf one by one before he entered the pitch.
Soon-to-be Hammer Diouf took deep breaths to maintain his composure as an almighty roar went up and he entered the pitch to a rapturous standing ovation.
Slavia fans then chanted his name for the matter of seconds he was on the pitch.
El Hadji Malick Diouf looks up at the stands when in action for Slavia Prague in the Europa League
Photo By Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty Images
Emotional goodbye shows West Ham are getting a top player
Video shows some fans in tears as Diouf fell to his knees to bless the pitch and say a prayer and goodbye.
After the final whistle, his teammates hugged the departing star as he now prepares to head to east London for his medical.
West Ham usually do that over two days while media work will be carried out for the highly anticipated announcement.
The key thing to note about Diouf’s farewell is that it was reminiscent of scenes that might be reserved for a player who has been a legend at a club having been there for years.
The fact Diouf got such a rousing and emotional send-off after just one season with the club speaks volumes about his quality and ability.
His impact has been so great, it was reflected in his fond farewell.
And this is a club with real pedigree, who have seen some great players come and go down the years as the 22-time Czech champions and European regulars.
West Ham are clearly getting a top player.
You only have to watch Diouf’s send-off below to know that.
El Hadji Malick Diouf est entré à la 90e minute lors du match amical contre le Dynamo Dresden pour faire ses adieux aux supporters du Slavia Prague 🤍❤️😢
Direction West Ham pour lui ! pic.twitter.com/OwAqORDpY3
— 🇸🇳 𝐄𝐝𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 💙❤️ (@i_nmess) July 13, 2025
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For the avoidance of any doubt, check out Diouf’s stunning performance in Senegal’s 3-1 win over England last month.