West Ham Signs Senegalese Left-Back Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19.5 Million

West Ham United have completed the signing of Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for a reported fee of around £19.5 million (€22 million), potentially rising to €25 million with add-ons, marking the biggest sale in Czech league history. The 20-year-old defender impressed in the Czech top flight and during international duty, notably helping Senegal to a 3-1 victory over England, which increased Premier League interest in him. Diouf, who joined Slavia Prague from Tromso in January 2024, has signed a long-term contract with West Ham and expressed enthusiasm about progressing his career and contributing to the team under coach Graham Potter. His arrival comes amid a summer of change for West Ham, following the departures of several key players including Aaron Cresswell, Mohammed Kudus, Lukasz Fabianski, and Danny Ings. West Ham's manager Graham Potter praised the signing, emphasizing Diouf's youth and potential fit for the team's evolving tactical plans, including a possible 3-4-2-1 formation requiring versatile wing-backs. The club is also looking to strengthen other areas, targeting additional signings and remaining open to offers for some current players as it rebuilds the squad.