West Ham are on the brink of completing their first signing under Graham Potter, with El Hadji Malick Diouf edging closer to a move after spending the whole of today at Rush Green.
As reported by @ExWHUEmployee, the 20-year-old Senegalese defender has completed his medical and has already been involved in media duties, which are expected to carry on into the evening.
An official announcement could land as early as today or in the next couple of days, with Diouf’s arrival marking a significant early addition to the Hammers’ summer window.
Diouf’s Move Backed by Slavia Prague Manager
Diouf leaves Slavia Prague with glowing praise from manager Jindřich Trpisovsky, who described the youngster as a special talent both on and off the pitch.
“The boy is extraordinary and will be even better,” Trpišovský told Czech outlet inFotbal. “His potential is brutal. I don’t actually know if I’ll miss Malick more as a footballer or as a person. But of course, we have to be happy for him.”
The Prague boss hinted that the move to London was a dream the player had been working toward, and he backed Diouf to thrive in the Premier League.
West Ham Agree Record Fee with Slavia Prague
West Ham have agreed a deal worth an initial £19.5 million plus around £3 million in add-ons. That £22.5 million total makes Diouf the most expensive export in Czech football history.
The defender travelled to London earlier this week alongside his agent to complete final paperwork. The move was also teased by French journalist Santi Aouna, who posted a photo of Diouf en route to the UK.
Striking Sell-On Clause Key to Getting Deal Done
West Ham reportedly beat competition from Leeds United and Atalanta by including an unusually high sell-on clause. According to Slavia sporting director Jiří Bílek, the final terms only came together in the final minutes of negotiations.
“A very interesting package that only arose in the last ten minutes of negotiations to seal a deal,” Bílek told inFotbal.
While specific percentages haven’t been disclosed, typical clauses sit between 10 and 20 percent, with this deal thought to significantly exceed that range.
New Era Begins Under Potter
Diouf is expected to offer immediate competition at wing-back and brings both defensive quality and attacking promise. The 20-year-old fits the mould of what Graham Potter is expected to bring to West Ham: youth, versatility, and high potential.
Backed heavily by his former manager and now just awaiting the final green light, Diouf could soon be unveiled as the Hammers’ first signing of the summer. It’s a promising start to the Potter era in east London.
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