West Ham United have announced the official signing of Issa Diop on the club website.
Although the statement says the fee is undisclosed CandH can confirm its earlier story that the club have paid £22 million for the former Toulouse man. And the club’s determination to give new manager Manuel Pellegrini all he needs this summer means they beat off competition from numerous PL and European clubs including Everton and Sevilla.
The Hammers announcement declares that Diop has been a first-team regular since breaking into the Ligue 1 side at the age of 18 in November 2015, making 95 appearances.
And the player commented: “I am very happy to sign for such a historic, English club, and I hope to show my best here,”
The French Under 21 added: “I am a very ambitious player and West Ham is a very ambitious club, as we’ve seen with the appointment of the new coach. I hope to help the team win lots of games and make the fans happy.”
West Ham United Director of Football Mario Husillos added: “Issa is a player with fantastic potential who has already shown great quality at such a young age. It is a measure of his character and maturity that he was named captain of Toulouse at just 20 years of age, having already established himself in their team as a teenager. He has represented France at every youth level up to Under-21 and we believe that he is now ready to make the next step in his career by moving to the Premier League with West Ham United.
“There were many other big clubs interested in signing Issa and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. We look forward to hopefully seeing him make a big impact next season.”
Now we just need to sign his France under 19, European championship 2016 winning team mate, Mbappe.
I just worry what this does to Rice. I hope it doesnt put him on the bench.
Unless, MP see’s his as a CDM?
I think he does, LJ. Rice is too good on the ball to be an out-and-out defender, although having that capability in his locker makes his hugely valuable. I can see him as a long term replacement for Mark.
@LJ at the end of the day we had the worst deference in the PM league last season. So we need a new back like i’m glad Pellegini has realised this.
Its early days, but so far it looks like the board our seeing out there promises. Top manger/ direct of football. 22mill on a CB is a lot of money. and we have offered 20m plus on Dawson (that is true, as well not the usually ITK dribble).
Long way to go, so we need to stay patient now.
@colejamesuk123, Yes we conceded a lot of goals, but i wouldnt say just the cbs are to blame for this. poor cover from CDM, poor wingbacks, poor goalkeeping, the list goes on.
yes moving on/buying players is a positive BUT if if stifles a player with one of the best potentials we have seen come through our academy in years is it the best move?
Hopefully, he is going to push him into CDM to replace Nobes long term, If he does this i think its a fantastic signing and move. But if they have bought Issa and Rice still as a cb in the squad i just worry for his development. Look at oxford!
Dont get me wrong, im not moaning about buying a young CB with great potential, or that we are buying players. Its what we want and need.
My only point is I hope rice does not suffer.
Rice is too good to suffer – he’ll be fine