West Ham United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to secure the signature of Slavia Prague’s dynamic 20-year-old Senegalese defender, El Hadji Malick Diouf, in a deal that could mark a significant milestone for both the club and the Czech First League. With a potential transfer fee of €25 million (£21.5 million), the move could set a new record for the highest transfer fee in Czech football history, surpassing the £12.5 million paid for goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. As the Hammers aim to reshape their squad under manager Graham Potter, Diouf emerges as a prime target to address their defensive needs.
Transfer Talks: Closing in on a Deal
West Ham’s pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf has gained significant momentum in recent days. According to multiple sources, including Claret & Hugh and Hammers News, the London club has been actively negotiating with Slavia Prague, with discussions now in their final stages. An initial €20 million bid was rejected, as Slavia Prague held firm on their €25 million valuation, potentially including bonuses. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed with Diouf and his agent, signaling the player’s willingness to make the move to the Premier League. The Hammers’ good relationship with Slavia Prague, forged through previous successful transfers of Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, may facilitate the deal, with some reports even suggesting that Soucek has played a role in convincing Diouf to join. The transfer interest comes amid a competitive race, with clubs like Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Atalanta also linked to the versatile defender. However, West Ham appear to have edged ahead, with sources indicating the deal is “likely” to be completed soon. The financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have made this transfer window challenging for West Ham, who may need to sell players like Mohammed Kudus to fund significant signings. Despite these hurdles, the club’s determination to secure Diouf underscores their ambition to rebuild a squad that slumped to 14th in the Premier League last season.
West Ham have practically agreed a deal with Slavia Prague for the signing of left back El Hadji Malick Diouf.
— COYIrons (@COYIronscom) July 4, 2025
The deal will include additional bonuses to make up the desired €25m fee.
[@DenikSport] pic.twitter.com/0v0UO5ICOa
El Hadji Malick Diouf: Stats and Playing Style
El Hadji Malick Diouf, born on December 28, 2004, in Ziguinchor, Senegal, is a 20-year-old left-sided defender who has made waves in the Czech First League since joining Slavia Prague from Norwegian side Tromsø in January 2024. Standing at 1.83 meters, Diouf combines physicality, pace, and attacking flair, making him a modern full-back capable of playing as a left-back, wing-back, or even a winger. His versatility and dynamic style have drawn comparisons to a “winger-like” defender. Key Stats (2024/25 Season, as of July 2025):
- Appearances: 41 across all competitions for Slavia Prague last season, including 30 league games.
- Goals: 7 in the Czech First League, 8 across all competitions.
- Assists: 3 in the league, 3 additional in other competitions.
- International Performance: Debuted for Senegal in September 2024, impressing in a 3-1 win over England with an 89% pass completion rate (16/18), 3 key passes, 1 big chance created, 4/4 long balls, 2 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 0 times dribbled past (ScoutScope).
- Sofascore Rating: Consistently high ratings, reflecting his impact in both defensive and attacking phases.
Diouf’s standout performance against England, where he reportedly had Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka “in hell,” highlights his defensive tenacity and ability to handle top-tier wingers. His offensive output—seven goals and three assists in league play—demonstrates his ability to contribute going forward, a trait that aligns with Potter’s preference for attacking full-backs. His heatmap and statistical profile (per FBref) show a balanced skill set, ranking him highly among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League for both offensive and defensive metrics over the last 365 days.
El Hadji Malick Diouf, player profile :
— Dharmaksha (@lfc_dharmaksha) January 14, 2025
He's a 20 year old senegalese intl who plays in the Czech top flight team Slavia Prague as a LB. He is known for his abilities on the ball,he has 6 goals and 2 assists in 18 matches.
He is very similar to robertson with better ball control pic.twitter.com/lDmyND3vLx
Why Diouf Could Be a Good Fit for West Ham
- Filling a Positional Need: West Ham are in dire need of a left-sided defender following the departure of Aaron Cresswell and the potential exit of Emerson Palmieri, who is nearing the end of his career. Diouf’s ability to play as a left-back or wing-back makes him an ideal long-term successor, offering both immediate impact and future potential. With young academy product Ollie Scarles not yet ready for a first-choice role, Diouf’s signing addresses an urgent squad gap.
- Alignment with Potter’s Philosophy: Graham Potter’s tactical setup often emphasizes fluid, attacking football, with full-backs playing a key role in both defense and attack. Diouf’s pace, dribbling, and crossing ability—evidenced by his three key passes and big chance created against England—fit seamlessly into Potter’s system. Paired with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive solidity on the right, Diouf could have the freedom to “bomb forward,” adding width and creativity to West Ham’s play.
- Youth and Potential: At just 20 years old, Diouf represents a long-term investment. His rapid progression from Senegal’s Academie Mawade Wade to Tromsø and then Slavia Prague suggests a player with a high ceiling. West Ham’s recruitment strategy under Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay focuses on young, athletic, and affordable talents, and Diouf ticks all these boxes.
- Proven Track Record: Diouf’s eight goals and three assists in 30 league games last season demonstrate his ability to impact games offensively, a rare trait for a defender. His performance against elite competition, such as England, shows he can handle the step up to the Premier League. Additionally, his familiarity with Slavia Prague’s high-pressing, title-winning system suggests he can adapt to the intensity of English football.
- Club Connections: West Ham’s successful history with Slavia Prague players like Soucek and Coufal could ease Diouf’s transition. The reported influence of Soucek in convincing Diouf to join adds a layer of cultural and professional familiarity, potentially aiding his integration into the squad.