According to a report this afternoon West Ham are planning for life after one of their recent summer 2025 signings, as yet unsure whether he plans to depart but lining up a replacement as a contingency.
It seems the Hammers are looking to Sheffield United’s left back as a replacement should their main man for most of the 2025/6 season – el Hadji Malik Diouf – depart before the start of the Championship campaign.
Diouf has made no secret of his desire to play for a top six club and so the preparation by West Ham is entirely understandable.
Football Insider make the claim in their article today:
“West Ham Source: El Hadji Malick Diouf sale to trigger Harrison Burrows bid:
West Ham United are ready to firm up their interest in Sheffield United left-back Harrison Burrows if El Hadji Malick Diouf leaves this summer, sources at the club have told Football Insider.
The Irons have already identified Burrows as a clear target for the left side of their defence, but are delaying any offer until they get more clarity on Diouf’s long-term future. …
Diouf – already an established international at West Ham United – could be on his way out this summer
Sources have indicated that they would want a “big profit” on their previous £4million investment in the 24-year-old, and will try to price West Ham out of a move. “
Similarly, presumably the Irons would only let Diouf part for the same ‘big profit‘ on the deal which brought the Senegalese to London last year for £21 million.
Which, you’d have to say, on his current patchy form defensively, looks unlikely.
Agree with others, not a top 6 defender yet. When he came i thought nice, he is quick and pin point crosses. That then dipped somewhat and he gets caught out a bit defending but is a good prospect. Like a few of our youth that left, dont let your ego get the better of you.
The grass is not always greener.
Diouf is still very a very raw talent, I actually think a year in the championship could be good for him. From a West Ham perspective, I actually think his delivery at times could be the difference to unlocking many low block defenses this year.
nothing against the young man Diouf’s ambitions Martin but if you want to play for a top 6 club then you have to be a top 6 club defender and at the moment , as you say , he’s only probably a top 6 championship defender so someone would have to take a very big chance on him and pay an awful lot of money to take that chance just like we did ! when he’s good he’s good but when he’s bad he can be Dick Emery awful x
Dick Emery, There’s one for the kids Jeff! Your cultural references are about as up to date as mine 🤣
ha ha. Thanks D , “But I like you” x
nothing against the young man Diouf’s ambitions Martin but if you want to play for a top 6 club then you have to be a top 6 club defender and at the moment , as you say , he’s only probably a top 6 championship defender so someone would have to take a very big chance on him and pay an awful lot of money to take that chance just like we did ! when he’s good he’s good but when he’s bad he can be Dick Emery awful x