Latest news with #Diouf


United News of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
West Ham sign Senegal international Diouf for £19m
London, July 15 (UNI) West Ham have signed Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19m. The 20-year-old defender joins the Hammers on a long-term contract and is expected to meet up with the club's pre-season training camp in Germany this week. Diouf was a key player for Slavia Prague when they won the Czech top-flight title last season. He said "a lot of clubs" were interested in signing him, but he chose West Ham, as it "was a good plan for me". "I want to say to the West Ham supporters I'm very happy to be here with them. I think we'll make a very good season this year," Diouf told the club's website today. "Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone." Manager Graham Potter said Diouf, who can play at left-back or left wing-back, was a player the club had been watching for some time, according to a BBC news. "He is young, hungry and ambitious, and I think he will be a very positive addition to the group," he added. Diouf left Senegal at the age of 18 to join Norwegian side Tromso in February 2023, playing 21 times and scoring three goals. He then joined Slavia Prague a year later and scored on his debut in a league win at Karvina. Last season, he scored seven goals as Slavia won the title by 16 points, conceding just 18 goals in 35 matches. Diouf earned his first Senegal cap in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi in September 2024, and he played in the country's 3-1 friendly win against England in June. UNI BM


The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-West Ham sign Senegal defender Diouf
(Reuters) -West Ham United have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague on a long-term deal, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported West Ham paid an initial fee of 19 million pounds ($25.43 million) for the 20-year-old. Diouf was part of the Senegal team which secured a 3-1 victory over England in a friendly last month, the first African team to beat England in 22 games. "There were a lot of teams (who wanted to sign me), but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach (Graham Potter) and it was a good plan for me," Diouf said. West Ham begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 16 with a trip to Sunderland. ($1 = 0.7472 pounds) (Reporting by Shifa Jahan in BengaluruEditing by Toby Davis)

Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
West Ham sign Senegal defender Diouf
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - AC Milan v Slavia Prague - San Siro, Milan, Italy - March 7, 2024 AC Milan's Christian Pulisic in action with Slavia Prague's El Hadji Malick Diouf REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo West Ham United have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague on a long-term deal, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported West Ham paid an initial fee of 19 million pounds ($25.43 million) for the 20-year-old. Diouf was part of the Senegal team which secured a 3-1 victory over England in a friendly last month, the first African team to beat England in 22 games. "There were a lot of teams (who wanted to sign me), but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach (Graham Potter) and it was a good plan for me," Diouf said. West Ham begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 16 with a trip to Sunderland. REUTERS
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: West Ham closing in on deal with Czech club
Report: West Ham Target Diouf Deal as Slavia Boss Confirms Exit Plans West Ham United are increasingly confident of securing the services of highly rated Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf following clear signs from Slavia Prague that a deal is imminent. Advertisement Slavia manager Jindrich Trpisovsky confirmed what many in the Czech capital had already suspected, revealing that Diouf's departure is no longer a question of 'if' but 'when'. Speaking to the media, Trpisovsky said, 'The situation surrounding El Hadji Malick Diouf? It's always the same. We're all thinking about a transfer.' He continued, 'It's a matter of time. The club's management is taking care of it. Malick has an individual plan, we don't want to take any risks.' Diouf, who recently impressed on international duty as Senegal beat England 3-1, is believed to be attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with West Ham and Leeds United currently at the front of the queue. West Ham's long-standing relationship with Slavia Prague The Hammers have a proven track record of dealing with Slavia Prague, having previously signed both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from the Czech club. That history may prove crucial once again as negotiations progress over what could become a record-breaking transfer. Advertisement Slavia Prague are reportedly demanding a fee in excess of the £12.5million they received from Tottenham for goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. That figure currently stands as the club's highest-ever sale, but Diouf is now poised to eclipse it. Trpisovsky was full of praise for the player, highlighting not only his technical qualities but also his long-term potential: 'He's a player with extraordinary qualities, and he will have them for the future. Slavia's demands must be met, but we believe he will leave.' With left-back Aaron Cresswell now gone and Graham Potter keen to bolster his defensive options, Diouf's versatility adds to his appeal. He is comfortable playing as a left-back or as a winger on the same side, a trait that could provide Potter with additional tactical flexibility next season. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Leeds interest could test West Ham resolve While West Ham remain confident of striking a deal, they are not alone in their admiration for Diouf. Leeds United, now pushing for promotion under new management, are believed to have expressed serious interest in the player. However, the lure of top-flight football and West Ham's European ambitions could prove decisive. It is also understood that Diouf's camp prefers a move to a Premier League club with a stable project and a clear development pathway. Graham Potter, known for his work with young talent, may offer the ideal environment for Diouf to continue his rise. Although no fee has been finalised, all signs now point to a summer exit for Diouf. With both Slavia Prague and the player aligned on his departure, it is a matter of days, not weeks, before this potential transfer reaches its final stages. Advertisement Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a West Ham fan's perspective, this development feels timely and progressive. El Hadji Malick Diouf looks like the sort of player who could quickly become a fan favourite. He brings energy, flair and composure on the ball, not to mention the kind of versatility that gives managers flexibility during a long season. With Cresswell moving on, there is a clear vacancy at left-back, and Diouf offers more than just defensive cover. His ability to drive forward and contribute in the final third is something West Ham have lacked from wide defensive areas. Seven goals and four assists last season for a player in that position is significant, even if it came in a different league. The fact that Slavia Prague are preparing for life without him, and that he is training separately from the squad, adds real weight to the likelihood of his exit. If West Ham can move quickly and decisively, they have every chance of securing another successful addition from a club they already know how to deal with. Advertisement Fans will also be encouraged by the club's continued interest in young, high-upside players with international experience. It suggests a shift towards a more sustainable recruitment strategy and a greater focus on player development, something many supporters have long called for.


BBC News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Gossip: Hammers remain interested in Diouf
West Ham are keeping a close eye on El Hadji Malick Diouf, with Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky confirming the Senegalese defender is set to leave the club. The Hammers face competition from Leeds United for the 20-year-old. (Standard), external Meanwhile, Hammers defender Nayef Aguerd is a priority summer target for French side Marseille. (L'Equipe - in French), externalWant more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip columnFollow the gossip column on BBC Sport