West Ham United Pushing to Sign £20million Defender – Report | OneFootball

West Ham Target Slavia Prague’s Diouf as Left-Sided Rebuild Continues

West Ham United have stepped up their pursuit of Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, with manager Graham Potter keen to reshape his options on the left side of defence. According to The Guardian, discussions have been initiated with Slavia Prague over a potential move, but the Czech club are reluctant to part ways with their dynamic wing-back.

Slavia are believed to value the 20-year-old at around £20 million and are in no rush to sell, given Diouf’s growing influence in their squad. The full-back is known for his pace, athleticism and attacking threat down the left flank, traits that align with Potter’s philosophy. A source close to the deal stated, “Slavia are reluctant to lose the Senegal international, who is comfortable as a wing-back.”

With Emerson Palmieri expected to leave and academy product Ollie Scarles still developing, West Ham’s interest in Diouf reflects both urgency and long-term planning. Despite Scarles’ breakthrough last season, the 19-year-old is not yet ready for regular Premier League action.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Balancing Act Remains Crucial

While West Ham are determined to strengthen, they remain constrained by the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations. The club has made clear it needs to sell before it can sanction major purchases. The sale of fringe players or senior figures may be necessary to allow the Diouf deal to progress.

As The Guardian reported, “Incomings without significant sales would leave them at risk of breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.” This adds an element of complexity to negotiations, particularly with other targets also in mind.

Eye on Liverpool’s Tyler Morton

In addition to Diouf, West Ham have shown firm interest in Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton. The 21-year-old shone for England Under-21s during their recent European Championship triumph and has drawn attention for his maturity and ball retention in central areas.

Potter is believed to be a long-time admirer of Morton, who would add depth and composure to a midfield that remains in transition. His availability may depend on Liverpool’s summer activity and whether a loan or permanent transfer is deemed suitable.

Left-Sided Gap a Priority

Graham Potter’s need for a versatile, left-footed defender is well documented. Diouf’s skill set makes him an ideal fit for West Ham’s evolving system. Comfortable in a back four or as a wing-back, the Senegal international would offer balance to a side that often overloaded on the right under David Moyes.

There’s recognition within the club that targeting players like Diouf is essential for sustainable squad development. However, unless key players are moved on soon, West Ham’s recruitment drive may stall just as momentum begins to build under Potter’s new tenure.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

West Ham fans will be buzzing at the prospect of signing El Hadji Malick Diouf. This is the kind of move that shows Potter has a clear identity and ambition for the club. Diouf looks like a proper modern-day wing-back, rapid, intelligent and direct, and would solve our left-side issue instantly. Emerson never really convinced and as much as we love Ollie Scarles, we know he’s still got time to grow.

The frustration lies in the financial side of things. It’s always the same story, sell before we buy, but this time it feels like we’ve got a real shot at landing a top young player. If we want to compete and get back to Europe, we have to take these kinds of risks.

And Tyler Morton? Yes please. Young, technical and already winning with England’s Under-21s. A loan-to-buy deal could be a masterstroke. This summer’s going to be massive, and if we can get Diouf and Morton over the line, Potter will have fans truly believing in what’s being built at London Stadium.