‘West Ham decide Emerson Palmieri and Ollie Scarles fate as transfer search intensifies’
West Ham United have made their future decisions on both Emerson Palmieri and Ollie Scarles as Graham Potter looks to bolster his defensive options.
After taking the managerial reins at the London Stadium last January, Potter steered the Hammers to just five wins in 19 attempts.
Consequently, West Ham finished just 14th in the Premier League, leaving the former Brighton boss with plenty of work to do in the transfer window ahead of next season.
The East Londoners enjoyed a ninth-place finish in David Moyes’ last season in charge, and Potter will look to re-establish the Hammers as a top-half outfit.
West Ham make Emerson and Scarles decisions as Slavia Prague star eyed
Potter’s frontline is a particular area of concern, as last summer’s signing and striker Niclas Fullkrug notched just three goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
But the Hammers boss is also keen to strengthen in the left-back position, having eyed El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.
As reported by The Guardian on Tuesday, 1 July: “West Ham face a battle to convince Slavia Prague to sell El Hadji Malick Diouf.
“The left-back is a target for Graham Potter, and discussions have taken place over a deal. Slavia are reluctant to lose the Senegal international, who is comfortable as a wing-back, and want about £20million.
“Potter wants a left-sided defender, with Emerson Palmieri likely to leave. Ollie Scarles enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, but the 19-year-old is inexperienced and is not ready to be first choice.”
Diouf likely to succeed at London Stadium
Football Insider verdict
If West Ham can agree terms with Slavia Prague for Diouf, the 20-year-old will likely prove to be a successful acquisition for Potter’s men.
| El Hadji Malick Diouf stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 3 |
His defensive exploits have caught the eye of the Hammers, while he also demonstrated his attacking prowess by scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the Czech top-flight last season.
Diouf also impressed during Senegal’s 3-1 win over England at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground by ensuring that the usually dangerous Three Lions right-winger Bukayo Saka had a quiet night in the East Midlands.
Furthermore, the Hammers don’t need to worry about the gulf in class between the Czech top-flight and the Premier League when it comes to signing the former Tromso man.
Both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal joined the East London outfit from Slavia Prague, and went on to star for West Ham in the Premier League as well as playing a key role in their Conference League triumph in 2023.