Latest news with #Diouf
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Florian Wirtz prediction made after Premier League rival's private message
West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug knows Florian Wirtz well from their time together with the Germany national team but the pair will face off as rivals this term Niclas Fullkrug is excited to see 'special' talent Florian Wirtz in the Premier League this season and has already messaged his Germany international team-mate to tell him as much. Wirtz completed a record £116m move to Liverpool earlier in the window after impressing for Bayer Leverkusen, and West Ham star Fullkrug knows all about the playmaker's quality from their time playing together for their country. "Florian is a very special player, very talented, one of the best players in Germany," Fullkrug said after West Ham's pre-season win away to Swiss club Grasshopper. "I love this guy, he's such a good guy and what a good player, so I told him already I'm happy he's now in the Premier League and he can show the whole world how good he is." Wirtz isn't the only Bundesliga star to move to the Premier League this summer, with Fullkrug's former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Jamie Gittens joining Chelsea. "He's of course a one v one player down the line, a winger, quick with the feet and always trying to get a shot on target," the striker said. "A good, talented player and I'm looking forward to seeing him on the pitch." Fullkrug played the first 45 minutes for West Ham in Zurich before manager Graham Potter picked an entirely new XI for the second half. The Hammers won 3-1, with Andy Irving, Callum Marshall and Lucas Paqueta scoring their goals. New signing El Hadji Malick Diouf made his debut for the London side, playing the entire second half and coming close to an assist only for Tomas Soucek to misplace his header. Fullkrug and Diouf weren't on the pitch together in Zurich, but the former Dortmund front man is optimistic about linking up with his new team-mate. "I think he's a nice addition to our team," Fullkrug said of £19m left wing-back Diouf. "He's a very physically strong guy, he has good crosses, a lot of crosses per game, and I saw his stats. Very good player but also did very well in the Europa League, so we're happy to have him and let's see how we work out." Senegal international Diouf was linked with a Premier League move in January after thriving for Slavia Prague, with club chief Jaroslav Tvrdik claiming Chelsea and Liverpool were keen. He is the third new signing at the London Stadium this summer, after a permannt swoop for former loanee Jean-Clair Todibo and the arrival of ex-Celtic starlet Daniel Cummings. West Ham have also reintegrated Maxwel Cornet and Nayef Aguerd into their squad after the pair spent last season out on loan. Ivorian winger Cornet played the first half against Grasshopper, while Morocco centre-back Aguerd played the second 45 at the back. It was 1-0 at the break, with Irving opening the scoring after fine work from captain Jarrod Bowen, and young striker Marshall doubled the lead less than two minutes after coming on. Jonathan Asp Jensen pulled a goal back midway through the second half but Paqueta restored the two-goal advantage from the penalty spot in the closing stages. "I think we have to prove [ourselves], that's the most important thing," Fullkrug said, refusing to make any big statements about the Hammers' goals for the season. "We have to prove in the first game we show what we are able to do, and when we do that we can start to speak about aims, goals or something. "But first we want to show that we want to make our fans proud, that we want to show a good face for West Ham United, and that's very important for us as a team because last year it was of course disappointing for everyone. But we don't want to speak any more about last year. It's the past, we are here now, and we look to the future." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
United News of India
15-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
West Ham sign Senegal international Diouf for £19m
London, July 15 (UNI) West Ham have signed Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19m. The 20-year-old defender joins the Hammers on a long-term contract and is expected to meet up with the club's pre-season training camp in Germany this week. Diouf was a key player for Slavia Prague when they won the Czech top-flight title last season. He said "a lot of clubs" were interested in signing him, but he chose West Ham, as it "was a good plan for me". "I want to say to the West Ham supporters I'm very happy to be here with them. I think we'll make a very good season this year," Diouf told the club's website today. "Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone." Manager Graham Potter said Diouf, who can play at left-back or left wing-back, was a player the club had been watching for some time, according to a BBC news. "He is young, hungry and ambitious, and I think he will be a very positive addition to the group," he added. Diouf left Senegal at the age of 18 to join Norwegian side Tromso in February 2023, playing 21 times and scoring three goals. He then joined Slavia Prague a year later and scored on his debut in a league win at Karvina. Last season, he scored seven goals as Slavia won the title by 16 points, conceding just 18 goals in 35 matches. Diouf earned his first Senegal cap in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi in September 2024, and he played in the country's 3-1 friendly win against England in June. UNI BM
The Star
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-West Ham sign Senegal defender Diouf
(Reuters) -West Ham United have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague on a long-term deal, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported West Ham paid an initial fee of 19 million pounds ($25.43 million) for the 20-year-old. Diouf was part of the Senegal team which secured a 3-1 victory over England in a friendly last month, the first African team to beat England in 22 games. "There were a lot of teams (who wanted to sign me), but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach (Graham Potter) and it was a good plan for me," Diouf said. West Ham begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 16 with a trip to Sunderland. ($1 = 0.7472 pounds) (Reporting by Shifa Jahan in BengaluruEditing by Toby Davis)
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
West Ham sign Senegal defender Diouf
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - AC Milan v Slavia Prague - San Siro, Milan, Italy - March 7, 2024 AC Milan's Christian Pulisic in action with Slavia Prague's El Hadji Malick Diouf REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo West Ham United have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague on a long-term deal, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported West Ham paid an initial fee of 19 million pounds ($25.43 million) for the 20-year-old. Diouf was part of the Senegal team which secured a 3-1 victory over England in a friendly last month, the first African team to beat England in 22 games. "There were a lot of teams (who wanted to sign me), but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach (Graham Potter) and it was a good plan for me," Diouf said. West Ham begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 16 with a trip to Sunderland. REUTERS
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: West Ham closing in on deal with Czech club
Report: West Ham Target Diouf Deal as Slavia Boss Confirms Exit Plans West Ham United are increasingly confident of securing the services of highly rated Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf following clear signs from Slavia Prague that a deal is imminent. Advertisement Slavia manager Jindrich Trpisovsky confirmed what many in the Czech capital had already suspected, revealing that Diouf's departure is no longer a question of 'if' but 'when'. Speaking to the media, Trpisovsky said, 'The situation surrounding El Hadji Malick Diouf? It's always the same. We're all thinking about a transfer.' He continued, 'It's a matter of time. The club's management is taking care of it. Malick has an individual plan, we don't want to take any risks.' Diouf, who recently impressed on international duty as Senegal beat England 3-1, is believed to be attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with West Ham and Leeds United currently at the front of the queue. West Ham's long-standing relationship with Slavia Prague The Hammers have a proven track record of dealing with Slavia Prague, having previously signed both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from the Czech club. That history may prove crucial once again as negotiations progress over what could become a record-breaking transfer. Advertisement Slavia Prague are reportedly demanding a fee in excess of the £12.5million they received from Tottenham for goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. That figure currently stands as the club's highest-ever sale, but Diouf is now poised to eclipse it. Trpisovsky was full of praise for the player, highlighting not only his technical qualities but also his long-term potential: 'He's a player with extraordinary qualities, and he will have them for the future. Slavia's demands must be met, but we believe he will leave.' With left-back Aaron Cresswell now gone and Graham Potter keen to bolster his defensive options, Diouf's versatility adds to his appeal. He is comfortable playing as a left-back or as a winger on the same side, a trait that could provide Potter with additional tactical flexibility next season. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Leeds interest could test West Ham resolve While West Ham remain confident of striking a deal, they are not alone in their admiration for Diouf. Leeds United, now pushing for promotion under new management, are believed to have expressed serious interest in the player. However, the lure of top-flight football and West Ham's European ambitions could prove decisive. It is also understood that Diouf's camp prefers a move to a Premier League club with a stable project and a clear development pathway. Graham Potter, known for his work with young talent, may offer the ideal environment for Diouf to continue his rise. Although no fee has been finalised, all signs now point to a summer exit for Diouf. With both Slavia Prague and the player aligned on his departure, it is a matter of days, not weeks, before this potential transfer reaches its final stages. Advertisement Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a West Ham fan's perspective, this development feels timely and progressive. El Hadji Malick Diouf looks like the sort of player who could quickly become a fan favourite. He brings energy, flair and composure on the ball, not to mention the kind of versatility that gives managers flexibility during a long season. With Cresswell moving on, there is a clear vacancy at left-back, and Diouf offers more than just defensive cover. His ability to drive forward and contribute in the final third is something West Ham have lacked from wide defensive areas. Seven goals and four assists last season for a player in that position is significant, even if it came in a different league. The fact that Slavia Prague are preparing for life without him, and that he is training separately from the squad, adds real weight to the likelihood of his exit. If West Ham can move quickly and decisively, they have every chance of securing another successful addition from a club they already know how to deal with. Advertisement Fans will also be encouraged by the club's continued interest in young, high-upside players with international experience. It suggests a shift towards a more sustainable recruitment strategy and a greater focus on player development, something many supporters have long called for.
