Nuno’s Burnley Team Sheet Could Reveal Diouf Transfer Decision

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

I’ll be looking for one name in particular when Nuno Espírito Santo’s first Championship team sheet drops at Burnley on Sunday — El Hadji Malick Diouf.

With Sunderland reportedly bidding £40 million, Brentford also interested and West Ham believed to value the defender at £50 million, Nuno’s team selection could give us the clearest indication yet of whether the Hammers really intend to keep him.

When I spoke directly to an agent earlier this summer, I was informed that Espírito Santo had been presented with a number of options at left-back but had declined the opportunity because he was looking forward to seeing how well Diouf would perform this season.

Now, I can’t imagine for one moment that Nuno’s stance has changed. He rates the Senegalese defender highly.

But one does wonder if the takeover turmoil and Daniel Křetínský’s reluctance to invest the required £90 million into the club has resulted in the need to sell more players.

Conflicting reports over Diouf

Thursday night, The Guardian reported that Sunderland had bid £40 million for Diouf, with West Ham demanding £10 million more.

The Standard, meanwhile, have reported that the defender will be remaining at the London Stadium.

If that wasn’t confusing enough, Claret & Hugh learned earlier this week that the 21-year-old was open to leaving East London.

All of these conflicting reports make the situation incredibly difficult to read.

But I suspect we’ll learn much from Espírito Santo’s team sheet at Turf Moor.

If Ollie Scarles starts again at left-back, maybe not too much can be read into it.

However, if Diouf starts in the back four, then I, for one, will be far more confident of him staying at the club.