By: TPA Sports Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

West Ham United have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague on a long-term contract, with the deal valued at approximately £19 million (plus potential add-ons), according to club sources and British media reports.

Diouf, who will don the No. 12 shirt, primarily operates as a left-back or left wing-back. Standing at 1.83 m and born in Dakar on December 28, 2004, his rapid rise began at Senegal’s Académie Mawade Wade before stints with Tromsø in Norway and an impressive campaign at Slavia Prague.

During the 2024–25 season, Diouf featured in 41 matches across all competitions for Slavia, scoring seven goals and providing four assists, while playing a key role in their Czech First League title win. He also started every European game—including Champions League qualifiers and Europa League group matches.

Internationally, Diouf has earned six caps for Senegal, debuting in September 2024. Most notably, he played the full 90 minutes in Senegal’s historic 3–1 friendly win over England in June—a first by an African nation in 22 attempts.

West Ham’s manager, Graham Potter, welcomed Diouf as a significant addition to his left side, praising his maturity and potential. Diouf confirmed he chose West Ham following conversations with Potter, who outlined a compelling vision for his development.

Diouf is expected to link up with the squad in pre-season training in Germany and could feature as early as July 19, when West Ham are slated to play Grasshoppers in their first friendly. The Hammers will then embark on the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S., ahead of their season opener on August 16 against Sunderland.

El Hadji Malick Diouf began his journey at Senegal’s Galaxy Football Academy, later joining the Académie Mawade Wade. At 18, he moved to Tromsø, where he scored three goals in 21 appearances across league and cup competitions. His move to Slavia Prague in January 2024 came with a €2.5 million transfer, a fee that would later be dwarfed by his £19 million move to West Ham—a record deal for a Czech League player.

Known for his pace, technical ability, and versatility along the left flank, Diouf has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Brighton and Crystal Palace, though West Ham’s timely proposal and add-on agreement won the race.

Diouf has a medical scheduled this week and will soon join West Ham’s pre-season camp in Germany. Fans should get their first glimpse of him in friendlies later this month, as he competes for a starting place in Potter’s defense.