Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr react to ‘excited’ message as West Ham signing made
Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr are among the stars that have reacted to a message from a new West Ham signing after the Irons confirmed another capture ahead of the new season.
West Ham endured a tough 2024/25 season under Julen Lopetegui and then Graham Potter, as both bosses struggled to get their ideas across and they eventually finished in 14th place.
Potter is now demanding to be heavily backed this summer as he looks to improve the club’s fortunes in the new campaign, and the Hammers kicked off their business in May as Jean Clair-Todibo’s loan from Nice turned to a permanent stay in East London.
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 6 July that the Hammers are interested in a move for Omari Hutchinson, but they have competition after Ipswich recently turned down a bid of £35m from Brentford [BBC] for his services.
West Ham are also tracking Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott following Mohammed Kudus’ controversial Spurs switch, and they confirmed the arrival of a new player online recently as Potter continues to bolster his squad.
El Hadji Malick Diouf sends message to West Ham fans
Former club scout Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that West Ham were advancing in talks to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague, after their first £17.5million bid for the Senegalese international was turned down.
The Irons soon announced his arrival at the London Stadium on Instagram on Tuesday, 15 July, saying: “West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf.”
20-year-old left-back Diouf is believed to have joined the club in a deal worth £19m [BBC], and he also took to the social media site on Wednesday, 16 July, to send a message to Hammers fans following his move, saying: Very happy & proud to join (West Ham). Excited for the challenge ahead and ready to give everything for the badge.
“Can’t wait to see the Hammers fans. Thank you for your support & your warm welcome. See you soon!”
His message was reacted to with likes from fellow Senegal internationals Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, while Brighton winger Abdallah Sima and former Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate also followed suit.
West Ham to sell Emerson after Diouf capture
Football Insider verdict
Diouf will be a relatively unknown player in English football right now, but that could all change in the coming season as he aims to prove his worth in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old is a left-back by trade but can also be deployed higher up in a wing-back position, and his arrival may well spell the end of Emerson Palmieri’s time at the London Stadium.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 50 | 9 | 4 |
West Ham have already moved to let veteran left-back Aaron Cresswell depart at the end of his contract, and prior to this new signing, reports emerged that the Irons will look to sell Emerson if they were able to bring Diouf in.
The Senegalese international is now a Hammers player, and the emergence of young left-back Oliver Scarles last term could well push Emerson to leave if he is not set to be offered much game-time in the new season.