Both Chelsea and Liverpool are said to have approached the agents of Brentford left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf ahead of the 2027 summer transfer window. Both Premier League sides have expressed their interest in him to the 21-year-old’s camp, according to Senegalese reports.
The interest comes despite Diouf having only just moved clubs. It was only on August 28 that Brentford signed the Senegal international from West Ham for a fee of £35m plus £5m in add-ons. He signed a five-year deal with the option of an additional year.
Diouf had impressed during his debut campaign in England, providing five assists in 32 appearances in the Premier League. After being signed for around £19m from Slavia Prague in 2025, the 21-year-old went on to play for Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.
His start in West London has been more of a steady one. The young left-back has only featured seven times in all competitions this campaign. He has been competing with Rico Henry and Keane Lewis-Potter for the starting role in a squad managed by Keith Andrews.
Chelsea’s interest stems from the fact they have no clear left-back at present. Marc Cucurella moved to Real Madrid in June, and Pep Chavarria and Jorrel Hato have been sharing the role. However, both have suffered injuries, meaning Xabi Alonso had to play right-footed Marco Palestra in the left-back position against Manchester United on Saturday.
Brentford will have all the power in any future negotiations as Diouf is contracted until 2031, and any potential suitors will have to pay more than what the Bees paid just two months ago. This means any move is unlikely to happen before next summer.
Xabi Alonso Turns to Marco Palestra as Chelsea’s Left-Back Options Thin
Xabi Alonso has had to make do at left-back in recent weeks. Chavarria missed three games after suffering a training ground injury, while Hato was also missing against Manchester United due to a back issue.
This meant Palestra, who was signed from Atalanta in the summer, had to be played on the opposite flank. The 21-year-old has had a patchy start to his time at the club after suffering an injury, which set him back a few weeks from making his competitive debut.
Chavarria was back on the bench against United, and Hato has started six of the first eight Premier League games. But the fact that Chelsea have been in contact with Diouf suggests they are not fully confident with their current options and want a proper left-back in the long term.