By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham have reportedly rejected a £40m bid from Sunderland for El Hadji Malick Diouf, with The Guardian claiming the Hammers want £50m for the defender.
On the face of it, that’s an incredible return for a player who cost around £20m just 12 months ago. But should West Ham really be selling another important player when we’ve yet to sign the midfielder, centre-back and striker the squad desperately needs?
Can West Ham Afford To Sell Diouf?
In this video, I discuss why selling Diouf for £50m could still leave West Ham worse off if we’re unable to adequately replace him.
With the Championship opener against Burnley on Sunday, Nuno Espírito Santo’s team selection could also tell us plenty about who remains part of his plans and who might be heading for the exit.
I can’t imagine Nuno would be particularly pleased about losing Diouf, and the prospect of starting the season with Ollie Scarles as our only recognised left-back makes this a transfer I believe West Ham should be very careful about sanctioning.
Is this £50m going to be spent on other needed players?
Disarsi_£4m loan, Parrott_£25m, Burrows or Ammas_£7m, Alvo_£12m, Piroe_£10m = £58m.
Covers: c/bk, striker, l/bk, l/wing and second striker.
Engels_£22m (midfielder/r/bk, r/wing) separate deal.
No good putting £50m in the coffers that won’t achieve anything.
Mayers can play there and would say he’s a better defender than Scarles.
For £50m you just can’t say no, especially when the player is worth £25m-£30m tops.
Got to take 50m, hes not even that good