West Ham Sign Diouf From Slavia Prague With Higher-Than-Usual Sell-On Clause
West Ham United have secured the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague, with the club agreeing to a higher-than-usual sell-on clause to get the deal over the line, according to Czech outlet @infotbal. The 20-year-old Senegalese left-back is one of the new additions arriving under incoming manager Graham Potter. While the move signals another exciting young talent heading to East London, it’s the financial detail of the transfer that has raised eyebrows behind the scenes. Diouf Transfer Includes Elevated Sell-On Clause Reports say Slavia Prague pushed for, and ultimately secured, an unusually high percentage in any future sale of Diouf. That means if West Ham cash in on the defender later down the line, a notable chunk of the profit will head back to the Czech side. The specific percentage hasn’t been disclosed, but it was a sticking point in negotiations. West Ham eventually agreed to meet Slavia’s demand to finalise the transfer quickly. The deal is understood to be worth around £22 million up front, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons based on appearances and performance-related targets. Senegal Defender to Link Up With Potter This Summer Diouf’s arrival continues a shift in recruitment strategy as Graham Potter looks to shape the squad in his image. The defender is expected to join West Ham’s pre-season soon, pending final contractual formalities. His move follows the high-profile sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham last week, with Diouf’s energy and versatility expected to play a key role in the rebuild. He only joined Slavia Prague in January after making waves at Tromso in Norway, adjusting to the Czech league almost instantly and earning his first senior cap for Senegal in early 2024. Africa Cup of Nations Could Delay Debut Diouf might not be available for West Ham’s early Premier League fixtures due to international duty. If selected by Senegal, he’ll participate in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where his country is grouped with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. West Ham are planning for that possibility, but fans may have to wait a bit longer before getting their first real glimpse of Diouf in claret and blue. Read Next: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
Crysencio Summerville Eyes Surprise Return for West Ham Pre-Season
Crysencio Summerville is hoping to return sooner than expected, with the West Ham winger now targeting the latter stages of the club’s pre-season schedule. The 22-year-old had originally been ruled out until mid-September after undergoing surgery, but reports from @RoshaneSport suggest the Dutchman could be back in action ahead of schedule. It marks a potentially timely boost as the Hammers kick off a new chapter under Graham Potter, with Summerville eager to finally make his mark after a frustrating first season in east London. Injury Setback Delayed Summerville’s West Ham Breakthrough Last season didn’t go to plan for Summerville. Signed from Leeds United for £25 million, the highly-rated winger struggled to find rhythm or regular minutes under Julen Lopetegui. Fans had been hoping for a reset under incoming boss Graham Potter, but an early setback saw his season stall again. Summerville picked up an injury just 45 minutes into pre-season and required surgery, with club doctors originally projecting a mid-September return. But his latest update points to a faster-than-expected recovery, raising hopes that he’ll feature before the start of the Premier League campaign. Summerville Tipped to Replace Kudus in West Ham Lineup In a recent interview with The Athletic, Summerville confirmed that Graham Potter sees him as a natural replacement for Mohammed Kudus, who departed the club earlier this summer. The plan? Deploy the Dutchman on the left wing and unleash his one-on-one ability. “At Leeds they wanted me to play as a No 10 more, and our coach wants me to be more of a left-winger and be the best one-on-one player,” Summerville told The Athletic. “So I think I’ve learnt a lot of things from different coaches.” That shift could signal a tweak in Potter’s setup, with West Ham possibly leaning more on left-sided attacking play going forward. Hammers View Summerville as Key to Long-Term Plans West Ham continue to see Summerville as a big part of their longer-term strategy. With five years left on his current deal and no release clause in place, the club feel in control of his development and future. There’s growing optimism behind the scenes that, once fit, Summerville can become a major weapon in Potter’s system. And with recovery progressing ahead of schedule, West Ham fans may not have to wait long to see what he can bring. Read Next: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
West Ham’s Diouf Pursuit Frustrates Slavia Prague President
El Hadji Malick Diouf’s potential move to West Ham appears to be stuck in limbo, with Slavia Prague president Jaroslav Tvrdík openly expressing frustration at the lack of progress. Speaking to Claret and Hugh, Tvrdík said Slavia had expected the transfer to be wrapped up swiftly and even pulled Diouf from training in anticipation. However, the delay in talks has now forced the Czech club to consider alternative plans. Slavia Chief: “We Took Diouf Out of Training for This” Tvrdík confirmed that confidence in the deal was so high that they asked the coaching staff not to involve the 20-year-old defender in first-team preparations. “We believed negotiations with West Ham would come to a quick end, and we asked the coach not to use Diouf in training,” Tvrdík said. “We have not yet been able to reconcile our ideas with those of the English. If it does not happen, we will enter negotiations to stay.” Despite earlier optimism, it’s clear the two clubs remain some way apart on key terms, raising doubts over whether the move will happen at all. Disputes Over West Ham’s Diouf Bid Conflicting reports have emerged over the status of West Ham’s offer. Fabrizio Romano claimed the Hammers submitted a €20 million bid for Diouf, yet Claret and Hugh report that Tvrdík has pushed back against that claim, suggesting the bid may not match Slavia’s expectations. What’s not in dispute is the player’s stance. Diouf is believed to have already agreed personal terms with West Ham, but without a breakthrough between the clubs, the transfer remains in deadlock. Past Deals With Slavia Offer No Guarantees West Ham’s previous success in signing Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from Slavia Prague had fuelled hopes that Diouf’s move would be straightforward. But that history now seems to carry little weight. As talks remain stalled, Slavia are reportedly preparing to reintegrate Diouf into first-team training unless a significant breakthrough is made soon. Read Next: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
Lucas Paqueta Set for FA Cleared Verdict as Saudi Offer Looms Amid West Ham Uncertainty
Fresh reports suggest that Lucas Paquetá is now expected to be cleared of all charges in the ongoing FA investigation into alleged betting breaches, with former Everton CEO Keith Wyness claiming the Brazilian will be found innocent. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness stated his sources are confident Paqueta will face no punishment, adding fuel to growing optimism surrounding the midfielder’s situation. Ex Update Paquetá Expected to Be Cleared But Exit Still on the Cards West Ham United, however, remain in the dark about what this means for Paqueta’s future in claret and blue. According to trusted insider @ExWHUEmployee, there is belief within the club that Paqueta will indeed be found innocent. But even if that happens, it doesn’t guarantee he’ll play for the Hammers again. Interest in the Brazilian playmaker has ramped up. Yesterday, it was reported that a major offer from the Saudi Pro League is expected if the FA clears him, with several Brazilian sides and Premier League clubs also continuing to monitor developments. Related Article: West Ham Prepared to Sell Paquetá if Spot-Fixing Case Clears Saudi Pro League Bid Gearing Up as Transfer Interest Grows Multiple reports point to a significant Saudi Arabian bid being prepared for Paqueta, should the expected verdict go in his favour. While there’s no official offer at time of writing, sources indicate the move could escalate quickly once the FA announces its final decision. The midfielder is attracting attention across the board, with Premier League rivals and Brazilian clubs all thought to be putting plans in place. Should the charges be dropped, Paqueta could quickly become one of the summer’s most in-demand midfielders. Cautious Confidence Within West Ham Over Paqueta Outcome Inside West Ham, there’s cautious confidence that Paqueta will be cleared. As Claret & Hugh report, club insiders are optimistic about a favourable outcome from the FA investigation, which has dragged on since it began back in August 2023. In the meantime, Paqueta has continued training at Rush Green and remains part of the first-team group. However, no guarantees have been made about his long-term role at West Ham. With increased transfer noise circling, the vibe is starting to shift toward a possible parting of ways. Verdict on Paqueta Could Arrive by End of July A final judgement is expected to come by the end of this month, according to WestHamZone. Paqueta and those around him are said to be growing frustrated by the lack of resolution, especially now that pre-season duties are underway. The case focuses on whether he deliberately picked up yellow cards to benefit betting patterns. Notably, Paqueta himself hasn’t placed any bets, setting his situation apart from other well-known cases this year. Key Differences Between Paqueta and Other Betting Cases The FA recently banned Cheltenham striker Ryan Bowman for 42 months after it was revealed he placed over 6,000 bets, including mid-game wagers. The charges were described as an extreme breach of footballing integrity. In contrast, Paquetá is not accused of any direct betting activity. Allegations instead centre on whether friends or individuals close to him placed small-stake bets linked to his on-pitch bookings. The lower scale and indirect involvement could end up playing a major role in his favour when the FA reaches its final call. West Ham May Still Lose Star Midfielder Regardless of Verdict Even with an expected clearing, the chances of keeping Paqueta aren’t guaranteed. The anticipated Saudi offer, alongside interest from clubs in Brazil and the Premier League, shows the level of competition for his signature. Despite being one of West Ham’s most technically gifted players, the sense around the club now feels like a crossroads moment. Whether cleared or not, a transfer away feels likelier with every passing day. The next few weeks could prove vital in determining where Paquetá plays his football next season — and whether it will still be at the London Stadium. West ham Transfer News: Ardon Jashari Rejects West Ham Transfer in Favour of Milan Move
West Ham Reportedly in Advanced Talks with Juventes Over Douglas Luiz
West Ham United have reportedly stepped up talks with Juventus to sign Douglas Luiz, with negotiations said to be nearing conclusion, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. Both clubs are working toward a deal structured as a €10 million loan with an obligation to buy for an additional €25 to €30 million. That would bring the total value close to €35 million (£30 million), and it’s understood discussions have accelerated in recent hours. West Ham Strongly Interested in Douglas Luiz As per multiple reports, the proposed deal would see Luiz arrive initially on loan, with a mandatory purchase clause triggered under agreed conditions. The obligation is believed to include performance-based clauses, though those details are still under wraps. Juventus had purchased Luiz for £42 million from Aston Villa just a year ago, so the deal represents a notable devaluation. The Italian club appear willing to move on from the midfielder following a below-par first season in Turin, where he struggled for form and consistent starts. Luiz Could Be First Major Signing Under Potter If finalised, this would likely mark the first big signing of the Graham Potter era at West Ham. It’s understood the club is looking for ready-made options to reshape the midfield, and Luiz brings both Premier League and Serie A experience. At 27, the Brazilian could plug straight into the squad and add a measure of composure and versatility that Potter is said to value as he puts his stamp on the team. Kudus Departure May Have Opened Up Room The move also comes not long after West Ham completed the sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £54.5 million. While Luiz operates in a different part of the pitch, the funds recouped may have allowed the club to move more aggressively in the transfer market. Luiz isn’t a like-for-like replacement, but he does offer tactical balance and strength in midfield—an area West Ham are looking to reinforce. Reports Still Unverified in the UK While the story is gaining momentum in Italy, UK-based sources have yet to confirm the negotiations. It seems as though the links to Luiz came out of nowhere, but the level of detail from the Italian media suggests talks are indeed advanced. Even if the deal isn’t sealed this week, it’s a transfer fans should watch closely as the summer window builds momentum. Read Next: Ardon Jashari Rejects West Ham Transfer in Favour of Milan Move
Ardon Jashari Rejects West Ham Transfer in Favour of Milan Move
West Ham’s attempt to sign Club Brugge midfielder Ardon Jashari has come to nothing, as the 22-year-old has turned down the club’s approach in favour of a move to AC Milan. West Ham had contacted both Brugge and Jashari’s agents to confirm they were ready to table a formal offer. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Jashari has made it clear he only wants to join Milan. Jashari Firm on AC Milan Transfer Despite West Ham’s willingness to act quickly in their summer rebuild, the Switzerland international had already set his sights firmly on the San Siro. Talks never moved forward after Jashari made his intentions known. Hammers News reported similar details and included direct comments from AC Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare, who confirmed Jashari’s desire to join the Italian giants. Tare told Tuttomercatoweb: “We want him to come to Milan, and he wants to come. We think we have made an important offer.” He added, “It’s a situation you already know about. This is his will, to play for this team.” West Ham Left Frustrated in £35m Jashari Pursuit The Hammers had been tracking Jashari for some time and were believed to be ready to pay a fee in the region of £35 million. However, the deal was always going to be difficult given the player’s lack of interest in a Premier League switch. Despite making initial contact and expressing intent to make a proposal, West Ham could not change the midfielder’s mind. Jashari’s name had also been linked with other European big hitters like PSG, Man City, and Manchester United, but it’s clear his current focus is on Milan. Related Article: West Ham’s Move for Ardon Jashari Knocked Back as Milan Make First Move Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika Emerges as Alternative Option With the Jashari deal dead, attention could now shift within Club Brugge, as Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika is still believed to be available. Reports suggest Onyedika would consider a move to London, should West Ham firm up their interest. Personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle, though no official bid has been submitted at this stage. Yunus Musah a Midfield Option as West Ham Reassess Another name under discussion is AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah. Sources at Hammers News report that Musah’s camp has reached out to West Ham, testing the waters for a possible move. Igli Tare has indicated Milan are open to parting with the American due to their updated midfield strategy. “Musah does not have the characteristics we’re looking for. This is the real reason we want to do something different,” he said. With Jashari officially out of the frame, and Onyedika and Musah emerging as potential alternatives, West Ham’s search for midfield reinforcements continues ahead of the new season. Read Next: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
West Ham Transfer Focus Turns to Diouf Deal Plus New Keeper and Midfielder
West Ham United are expected to now shift their full attention to securing the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf, while continuing their search for both a new goalkeeper and central midfielder, according to @ExWHUEmployee. Zion Suzuki remains a target in goal, but Diouf is emerging as the immediate priority as the Hammers look to step up business in the coming days. Diouf Transfer Battle Heats Up as Leeds Challenge West Ham Leeds United have reportedly launched a surprise late move to hijack West Ham’s pursuit of Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. The Slavia Prague defender has been one of Graham Potter’s key defensive targets and is being strongly pushed by head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay. West Ham had progressed talks with Slavia to the point Diouf was close to flying in for a medical, with Slavia boss Jindřich Trpišovský calling the transfer to West Ham “inevitable”. Diouf had even been pulled from training as the clubs edged closer to an agreement. Slavia Holding Firm on £21.5m Asking Price Slavia are understood to be demanding a fee of around £21.5 million, having turned down multiple West Ham offers of £17 million and £17.5 million. Previously, West Ham’s Premier League status and location in London seemed to give an edge over other interested clubs, including Atalanta. That edge could now be slipping. Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari told Hammers News that Leeds are moving aggressively to try and beat West Ham to the player’s signature, adding further pressure on the club to close out the deal quickly. Pressure Growing on Sullivan Over Transfer Delays David Sullivan and the board are again under fan scrutiny, with supporters frustrated by the slow pace around the deal. If Leeds were to beat West Ham to Diouf, the backlash would be significant, especially after what has been seen as an underwhelming start to the window. So far, only young defender Daniel Cummings has arrived from Celtic, while Mohammed Kudus has left in a high-profile £54.5 million switch to Tottenham. That sale has added to the expectation for reinvestment across the squad. Related Article: David Sullivan Defends Kudus Transfer and Promises West Ham Reinvestment FFP and Instalments Impact West Ham’s Transfer Budget Although the Kudus sale brought in a big fee, West Ham may not have as much room to spend as it appears. Only £18 million of that deal is payable up front this year, with the rest spread across future instalments. A deal for Diouf, set up over five years, would keep this year’s cost under £4 million from an accounting perspective. That has supporters questioning why the transfer hasn’t been finalised yet, especially with the need for reinforcements in multiple areas. Related Article: West Ham Facing Urgent £40 Million Loan Deadline with Barclays Suzuki Keeps Option Open While Midfield Remains on the Radar Alongside the Diouf deal, @ExWHUEmployee continues to report that Zion Suzuki is on the club’s watchlist to fill the goalkeeper slot. West Ham are also actively seeking a new midfielder as part of their summer rebuild. But right now, all focus is on Diouf. The next few days are likely to be decisive as West Ham look to either strike a deal with Slavia Prague or risk losing out to a growing list of suitors. Interesting Read: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell to join Stoke City on one-year deal
Aaron Cresswell is set to join Stoke City on a one-year contract, with an option for another year, after leaving West Ham United as a free agent. That’s according to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, who reports that the veteran full-back will continue his career in the Championship after 11 years at West Ham. Cresswell completes media duties at Stoke as move nears Cresswell has already been spotted at Stoke’s Clayton Wood training ground, where he was photographed in the club’s kit while carrying out media duties. As reported by Claret & Hugh, the images suggest the move is virtually complete despite no official announcement from the club just yet. The photos show the defender wearing Stoke’s red and white stripes as he gears up for life at the bet365 Stadium. Stoke win race for Cresswell after interest from rivals Before settling on Stoke, Cresswell was linked with several clubs following the end of his West Ham contract. Bristol City were among the contenders and even held talks with the defender during their play-off campaign. That move broke down once their promotion push fell short. Birmingham City and Ipswich Town, his former club, were also understood to be in the mix. Stoke ultimately secured the deal, reportedly helped by the presence of manager Mark Robins, who Cresswell is said to be eager to work with. Related Article: Aaron Cresswell Testimonial Update Shared After Exit Confirmed West Ham goodbye after more than 300 appearances Cresswell signed for West Ham from Ipswich in 2014 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the Hammers. A consistent presence in the squad across several managers, he played his part in the club’s European runs and memorable campaigns in the Premier League. Claret & Hugh say Cresswell finished last season in good form and had a number of offers when his deal expired. They described him as “a Premier League-calibre player” and backed him to be a success in the Championship. What Stoke gain from the Cresswell signing At 34, Cresswell brings a wealth of Premier League experience to the Stoke squad as they aim to push on in the Championship. The move might be a drop in level, but he adds proven quality, composure, and leadership to the Potters’ defence. For Cresswell, it’s a new chapter and a fresh challenge outside the top flight, while for Stoke, his arrival sends a clear signal about their ambitions going into the new season. Read Next: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
David Sullivan Defends Kudus Transfer and Promises West Ham Reinvestment
David Sullivan has issued a passionate defence of Mohammed Kudus’s £54.5 million transfer to Tottenham, insisting the decision was made with the team’s long-term improvement in mind and stressing that every penny of the fee will be reinvested in new players for West Ham. “We know the fans are unhappy, but how many fans, if they ran West Ham and had £54.5 million to spend, would spend it buying Mohammed Kudus?” Sullivan said. “Hopefully, the money is used wisely to improve the team. All money will be used to bring in new players.” Kudus Departure Spurs Fan Frustration Kudus’s switch across London has hit hard with many West Ham supporters, especially given the sale to a Premier League rival and the transfer fee falling well short of the £84.5 million release clause that had been floated. The move has raised questions about the club’s ambition and direction going into the summer window. Sullivan’s comments are a direct attempt to calm unrest, framing the Kudus deal as a strategic move rather than a sell-off. It’s clear the board are gambling on their ability to reinvest smartly (and quickly). West Ham Hit Reset Button The Kudus transfer is the first bit of significant business between the Hammers and Spurs in over a decade, and it comes at a point where West Ham are in transition. Director of football Tim Steidten’s exit has left Sullivan with more control over recruitment, and the Kudus sale may be the first result of that shift. Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian reported that West Ham were feeling pressure to sell before making new signings. Despite initial noise around the transfer fee being low, internal sources say the sale works for the club financially due to the low book value of Kudus. Recruitment Kicks Into Gear Several reports, including from Hammers News, suggest the Kudus funds are already being put to use. The club are actively targeting a number of young players including El Hadji Malick Diouf, Zion Suzuki, Raphael Onyedika, Evann Guessand, and Manchester City’s James McAtee. The focus appears to be on refreshing the squad and bringing down its average age, something many fans have long called for. Sullivan may now get the chance to reshape the side with a younger, more dynamic profile. Fans Still Wary, But Window Is Wide Open Supporters haven’t taken the deal lightly. Forums and social media have been flooded with criticism, with many pointing not just to the Kudus fee but to lingering frustration over how the club handled the funds from Declan Rice’s sale last year. As Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg put it, “Kudus going really isn’t seen as a disaster. The bigger crime was wasting the Rice money.” The pressure is now squarely on Sullivan and the board to deliver. With the Kudus money in hand, all eyes are on how wisely it’s spent—just as Sullivan promised.
West Ham Used Elanga, Pedro & Mbeumo Fees as Benchmarks for Kudus Transfer Decision
West Ham United have stood by the decision to sell Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur for £55 million plus add-ons, framing the move as fair value given recent market activity. According to @ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way, the club considered deals involving Anthony Elanga, Joao Pedro, and the valuation of Bryan Mbeumo when assessing Spurs’ offer. Crucially, the club were also quick to point out that £35 million of this season’s budget had already been spent on Jean-Clair Todibo, pushing them to make strategic decisions elsewhere. Elanga, Pedro & Mbeumo Help Shape Kudus Valuation West Ham looked at comparables to guide their stance, particularly noting the transfer fees or valuation figures for Elanga, Pedro, and Mbeumo. Internally, there’s a belief that Elanga, who has reportedly outperformed Kudus statistically this season, moved for significantly less. With no serious bidding war emerging for the Ghanaian and few clubs showing willingness to match Tottenham’s figure, £55 million plus add-ons was ultimately viewed as a strong offer in the current market. Kudus Pushed for Spurs Switch Despite Other Interest While Saudi Pro League sides showed early interest, Kudus was not keen on that move and made clear he only had eyes for Tottenham once they entered the picture. No official bids arrived from Liverpool or Arsenal, leaving Spurs with a clear path. West Ham decided not to drag the process out, knowing the risks of holding onto an unsettled player and seeing his value dip, especially with the attacker fully focused on making the switch to north London. Pressure on Budget, Faith in Bowen as Starter Another major factor was West Ham’s transfer budget, with £35M already allocated to signing centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. That spend tightened what could be done elsewhere, and the Kudus fee now becomes a key part of reshaping the squad. Jarrod Bowen is also seen as the nailed-on first-choice on the right-hand side of attack, easing concern about depth following Kudus’ exit. Bowen’s form and reliability gave the club confidence they wouldn’t be left short. Potter’s Rebuild Starts With Smart Spending With Graham Potter now overseeing summer plans, West Ham aim to reinvest the proceeds from the Kudus transfer wisely. The board know success depends not just on selling smart but buying right. @ExWHUEmployee was keen to remind fans this is the club’s justification, noting on social media: “Please do not shoot the messenger, this is what I have been told.” Read Next: Reports Emerge of West Ham Interest in Lookman to Replace Kudus