Brentford have made an offer to sign West Ham star El Hadji Malick Diouf, with a fresh update coming out of France this evening.
Diouf only arrived at West Ham last summer, but he has already developed into one of the club’s most valuable young players.
The Senegal international joined from Slavia Prague after an outstanding season in the Czech Republic, where he helped his side win the league title while establishing himself as the Czech league’s most exciting attacking left-back.
Before moving to Prague, Diouf had impressed in Norway with Tromso, and his rapid rise convinced West Ham they were signing one of African football’s brightest prospects.
His first season in England largely justified that belief.
Although there were inevitable moments where he showed his inexperience, Diouf became a regular under Graham Potter and then Nuno Espírito Santo thanks to his energy, pace and willingness to attack from deep.
Comfortable as either a left-back or wing-back, he gave West Ham an extra outlet going forward and showed flashes of the quality that had attracted interest from clubs across Europe before his move to east London.
His performances also earned admiration elsewhere in the Premier League, with Everton among the clubs linked earlier this year.
Like many young defenders, his positioning and decision-making occasionally came under scrutiny, but that was balanced by his athleticism, confidence in possession and crossing ability.
At just 21, West Ham will believe there is considerable room for development, making him one of the squad’s biggest long-term assets, and that is why losing him now would be difficult.
Brentford submit bid for West Ham star El Hadji Malick Diouf
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, however, Brentford are attempting to change that.
Aouna reports that the Bees have submitted an offer to West Ham for Diouf, with discussions currently taking place between the two clubs. He also claims Brentford are not alone in their interest, with several other clubs monitoring the Senegal international as his reputation continues to grow.
At this stage, there is no indication that an agreement is close, and we have yet to hear what West Ham’s response to this bid is, or how much the proposal is even worth.
West Ham only signed Diouf a year ago and remain under little pressure to sell given he’s tied down until 2030, while the marquee sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville suggest Nuno’s side won’t be bullied in the transfer market despite their Championship status.
Brentford may need a significant overall proposal if they are to convince the Hammers to part with one of their most promising defenders.
From West Ham’s perspective, patience may be the smartest approach.
