Sixteen players departed West Ham United last summer as the relegation exodus took its toll, along with the huge debt and cash flow issues that forced the Hammers to part with most of their more valuable assets.
£190 million raised from the sale of just four players certainly kept the accountants happy, whilst fans have had to deal with the anguish that comes from watching former favourites turn out for clubs who once were West Ham’s rivals.
One player in particular looks to be about to realise his stated ambition: Whilst he was still a Hammer, El Hadji Malick Diouf made no secret of his desire to play for a ‘top club’ one day – which didn’t exactly endear him to Irons supporters.
£35 million plus add-ons for Diouf seemed too good to turn down: Now there are claims he’s worth £20 million more
His transfer to Brentford bolstered the West Ham accounts by a cool £35 million but it seems west London is just the next rung on the ladder for the ambitious 21 year old.
Despite a dodgy start to his Brentford career, apparently Diouf’s left-footed curling crosses and pacy wing work is getting him noticed in all the right places. ‘Top clubs’, it seems, are indeed casting envious eyes over the left back’s CV, according to caughtoffside who claim the defender is now worth up to £55 million as “Chelsea and Liverpool make contact over €60m rated Diouf”.
I doubt anyone at Hammers HQ had the foresight to put a sell-on clause in his sale contract: West Ham fans will be incredulous, as was I, that the amiable left back with the booming crosses but dodgy defensive positioning has magically morphed into a £55 million rated player in a matter of months.
Can’t see that report being anywhere near true, he has rarely made the starting line up at Brentford
Prices are crazy, but that his value should boom, I do not think so. Easy to say retrospectively I know, but, convenient example, if in the near future Magassa starts reaching his expected potential, his price will also boom. He could be a defensive midfielder come box-to-box player and an occasional CB – not bad?
Like Diouf he has all the physical attributes, an incredible willingness and energy on a pitch but needs to improve aspects of his game. Diouf positioning as the article states, Magassa might be passing, also midfield positioning, then they both need minutes on a pitch and advice, coaching on weaker aspects of their game.
After this, any manager would be delighted to have them. An attacking LB, with pace creating assists or Magassa’s defensive attributes in midfield, able to charge forward with the ball. Probably both would welcome being shown how to improve their game; You never hear about them being unwilling to learn, train, listen, etc.
I hope with Parker & Prenderville (U18 coach), perhaps Noble, they will take time to develop players like Magassa, because we have many young players in the squad who could form a good team in the very near future.
my mate at work who’s a Brentford season ticket holder said he’s woeful for them, can’t defend and doesn’t play that often and that we’ve mugged them.
Not sure who is watching him at that other place.
Same, few lads at work have said he’s rapid but puts in 1 good cross out of 3 if lucky.
Any sell on was built into the money we got as that was a crazy price and frankly was shocked he got that much for him.
Liverpool already have two rapid fullbacks who can’t defend and Alonso wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole.
I guess Dave’s comments shows you have to temper this with reality. At least Magassa has played some good matches in the PL and the Championship is demanding, but does give these youngsters a chance to prove themselves and we need them to, given finances, squad size,…
Last comment, is sometimes WHU seems to be better on paper than on the pitch and I wonder if this is because we have so many young players, especially in midfield for instance. So can be inconsistent, not have that steadiness, like Soucek, McGinn at Villa, that only comes with time and experience. Bit of a juggling act for a manager, a lot of work behind the scenes I imagine.