West Ham decided to “push ahead” with a move for El Hadji Malick Diouf after seeing his performance for Senegal against England earlier this summer, according to reports.
The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes during the 3-1 friendly win at the City Ground back in June, and he put in an eye-catching performance against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas claims the Hammers had scouts in the stands for the game, and Diouf’s impressive showing encouraged the club to sign the left-back.
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The defender made the switch from Slavia Prague to the London Stadium for £19m back in July.
Diouf has impressed in the opening weeks of the season
Despite West Ham’s challenging start to the campaign, the Senegalese international has still managed to stand out with some good displays.
Diouf has a strong left foot and that allows him to put some dangerous balls into the opposition box. There is still some work to do on his defending, but he has plenty of time on his side to improve that aspect of his game.
Emerson’s West Ham departure
Diouf won’t have much competition for his place after the only other senior left-back in the first-team squad was sold on deadline day.
Emerson Palmieri has joined Marseille for €1m, ending his three-year stay with the Irons. With Aaron Cresswell having also left the club on a free transfer at the end of June, it means that Ollie Scarles is Diouf’s backup.
The 19-year-old academy graduate is talented, so Diouf will be kept on his toes, but the summer signing looks set for a long run in the side. We shall have to wait and see if he can build on his promising start to life at the club.
Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here