Diouf Signs In as Emerson Plots Exit – Changing of the Guard at Left Wing-Back

As West Ham’s latest – and first – signing of the summer settled into life in East London, his predecessor was lining up a move away from the London Stadium.

El Hadji Malick Diouf spent most of the day working with the Hammers media team for his unveiling, generally saying “Come on you Irons.” There were the usual pleasantries, as Diouf told fans how former Hammer Cheikhou Kouyaté had persuaded him to move to West Ham, while Graham Potter highlighted the 20-year-old’s qualities.

Bubbles were blown, the crossed Hammers sign was made, and everyone began to look forward to what Diouf could offer the team this season.

But as the unveiling was underway, Emerson’s representatives were weighing up the many offers their client has reportedly received. The 30-year-old left-back has been deemed surplus to requirements in Potter’s big plan, and there are said to be offers from Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga, and Turkey.

And while there’s no urgent desire on Emerson’s part to rush into a decision, he’d presumably prefer not to travel to the USA for West Ham’s pre-season tour. When Claret & Hugh asked a transfer source when to expect his exit, the reply was brief: “He won’t be there much longer.”

Either way, he’s been an excellent signing at £13m from Chelsea – and we’ve definitely had our money’s worth. But with Diouf and Ollie Scarles in the ranks, West Ham now have two 20-year-olds to lock down that left flank for the next few years – hopefully.