West Ham’s summer transfer business has been a mixed bag so far — and not in a good way.
Callum Wilson has scored once, in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but otherwise looked isolated and toothless up front. Kyle Walker-Peters has struggled to adapt at right-back, Mateus Fernandes has looked out of place on the left wing rather than his natural central role, and Soungoutou Magassa has barely featured, with just one appearance to his name.
As for goalkeeper Mads Hermansen — the less said, the better.
One man, however, has been the shining light of West Ham’s otherwise dismal start: El Hadji Malick Diouf. So impressive has he been, in fact, that he’s already being touted as a player who could move on if the Hammers’ struggles continue.
El Hadji Malick Diouf Touted for West Ham Exit
Signed from Slavia Prague for £19 million, the Senegal international has been one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League so far.
Diouf has provided defensive solidity while offering a real attacking outlet down the left, notching two assists in his opening four games. Behind only Lucas Paquetá, he has arguably been West Ham’s biggest attacking threat.
Unfortunately, Diouf’s early promise comes against a worrying backdrop. The Hammers have lost three of their first four games, sit 18th in the Premier League, and already face murmurs of a relegation fight.
Commentator Ian Darke has suggested that, should the worst happen, Diouf would likely be among the stars to leave.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Darke said: “He’s only just got his foot in the door at West Ham, but he’s one of the few players who’s impressed. He’s an eye-catching signing, and I’m sure the fans like him.”
He added: “They need more good players like him, they certainly wouldn’t want to lose him any time soon. He’s only just joined, so I wouldn’t think there’s any fear of losing him just yet, but if they went down, a load of players would be out. They aren’t there quite yet, but the odds are growing against them.”
For now, Diouf looks like a rare success story in a disappointing summer window. But if West Ham don’t turn things around quickly, they may struggle to keep him beyond this season.
