West Ham United Set To Make Fresh Bid For 20-Year-Old Slavia Praha Left-back: Is He Worth It? | OneFootball

European football has become a magnet for young talents looking to make a breakthrough. In this scenario, El Hadji Malick Diouf is starting to generate conversation in England and across central Europe. Born in Senegal, he grew up honing his skills at the Mawade Wade Academy before taking up the European challenge. Today, his name is already reverberating around the Premier League thanks to his performances for Slavia Praha.

It is unusual to see a left-back scoring goals and dishing out assists so naturally, but Diouf has achieved that blend of consistency and attacking traits that seduces coaches and managers alike. At just 20 years of age, he has become a sought-after player for clubs looking to reinvent their left flank and are not afraid to take a gamble on emerging talent.

West Ham United Set To Make Fresh Bid For El Hadji Malick Diouf

According to Give Me Sport, West Ham United do not want to let go of such a talent. The Hammers launched an initial bid for Diouf this summer, but Slavia Praha rejected it outright. However, the London club have not given up and are now preparing a juicier offer. The initial figure was around £17m, not enough to convince the Czechs. With Aaron Cresswell’s departure confirmed and Emerson Palmieri’s situation uncertain, Graham Potter needs alternatives that offer attacking qualities and also defensive solidity. Crystal Palace and Leeds United also have Diouf on their radar, but West Ham look set to go one step further to secure his signature. The player, for his part, would be happy to move to London if the deal goes through.

Is it worth for the Hammers?

Is it worth all the effort for a full-back who has barely made more than 50 appearances in Europe? At first glance, many might think that this is too much of a risk. But Diouf’s qualities fit Potter’s idea: full-backs with stamina and the ability to get forward. If he arrives, he is expected to alternate starts with Oliver Scarles as he adapts to the demands of the Premier League. The curious thing is that Crystal Palace already have Borna Sosa and Leeds are looking for a replacement for Firpo, leaving West Ham with the clearest route.

The big question mark will be how a guy who has enjoyed a meteoric rise will cope with the media pressure. For the fans, the question is whether they prefer the gamble on a young, unpolished player or a more proven veteran. My view is that signing Diouf fits the vision of building a team with malleable profiles, but it requires patience and a structure to back him up in his early failures. West Ham cannot repeat the mistakes of failed integrations. Diouf brings a spark and a future, but the club will need to surround him well and give him confidence. If Graham Potter can grow him without burning him out, he can make a difference in a side in need of freshness.