West Ham United have signed Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague in a record-breaking transfer for the Czech league.
The 20-year-old arrives in East London after the Hammers agreed to pay €22 million plus an additional €4 million in bonuses, with Slavia retaining a percentage of any future sale.
Diouf, who joined Slavia from Norwegian side Tromso in January 2024 for €2.7 million, quickly became one of the Czech champions’ standout players, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 50 appearances.
He also caught the eye during Senegal’s 3-1 win over England in June, increasing interest from Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace had made an offer in January but failed to agree terms with Slavia.
West Ham ultimately won the race for the talented defender, who has signed a long-term deal and will wear the number 12 shirt.
Speaking after the move, Diouf said: “I’m really happy to be here and to make a progression for my career. Several clubs were interested, but West Ham was my first choice.”
Hammers head coach Graham Potter praised Diouf’s maturity and ambition, adding: “He is young, hungry and ambitious, and I think he will be a very positive addition to the group.”
Diouf becomes the third player to move directly from Slavia Prague to West Ham in recent years, following Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal.
