West Ham Signs Senegal Defender Diouf as Potter’s First Transfer

West Ham United have officially signed Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for an initial fee around £19 million, making him the first permanent signing under head coach Graham Potter. The 20-year-old left-sided full-back or wing-back, who won the Czech top flight last season, expressed excitement about joining the Premier League and emphasized his commitment to the team and fans. Diouf chose West Ham despite interest from multiple clubs, citing a conversation with Potter and the club's plan as key reasons for his decision. Potter praised Diouf's maturity and character, highlighting his progression and potential fit within the squad. The transfer became possible after West Ham sold Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur, a deal that had added rivalry context between the clubs. Fans and pundits have welcomed Diouf's arrival as a positive step toward rebuilding the team with young, dynamic players.