Slavia Prague Star Diouf: West Ham & Leeds in ZAR400 Million Battle!
Mzansi football fans, get ready for a potential transfer battle! Two English clubs, West Ham United and Leeds United, are reportedly vying for the signature of Slavia Prague's talented Senegalese international, El Hadji Malick Diouf.
West Ham's Interest: A Soucek & Coufal Repeat?
West Ham, home to former Slavia Prague stars Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, are keen to add Diouf to their ranks. Slavia Prague's president, Jaroslav Tvrdik, has confirmed a strong relationship with the London club and is open to doing business again, provided the offer is right. While reports suggest West Ham's initial bid was below £17 million, it's believed a figure closer to £21.5 million (approximately ZAR400 million) might be needed to secure Diouf's services.
Leeds United Joins the Race
However, Leeds United are also in the mix. Reports indicate they see Diouf as a versatile player who can fill the left-back position and even play as a winger. With Junior Firpo's departure, Leeds are looking to bolster their defensive options, and Diouf could be a valuable addition.
Diouf's Potential: A Future Star?
Diouf is highly regarded, with some even comparing him to West Ham's Tomas Soucek. His impressive performance against England, where he reportedly gave Bukayo Saka a tough time, has further increased his stock. Slavia Prague's coach, Jindřich Trpišovský, has acknowledged that a transfer is likely, stating, "We’re all thinking about a transfer. It’s a matter of time."
- West Ham: Seeking a replacement for Aaron Cresswell and Emerson Palmieri.
- Leeds United: Looking for versatile defensive reinforcement.
- Transfer Fee: Expected to be around £21.5 million (ZAR400 million).
Will Diouf follow in the footsteps of Soucek and Coufal at West Ham, or will he choose to join Leeds United? This transfer saga is one to watch!