Brentford open talks over West Ham and Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf

Brentford have made the first move to sign West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the Senegal international’s future increasingly uncertain following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

Diouf, 21, only joined West Ham last summer from Slavia Prague in a deal worth €22m plus €3m in bonuses, a transfer that represented the biggest sale in the Czech club’s history. Yet, just a year on, West Ham are already weighing up his departure, according to Foot Mercato.

Despite West Ham’s drop into the second tier, Diouf’s reputation has continued to grow. His performances have maintained interest from clubs across Europe, and his stock rose further when he started for Senegal against France at the 2026 World Cup, underlining his status as one of the most promising young left-backs in the game.

Brentford move but face growing competition

Brentford have now tabled an initial offer as they seek to secure Diouf’s services ahead of the new season. The west London club are looking to strengthen in defence and view the Senegalese full-back as a key target.

However, they are not alone in pursuing the player. Other clubs are monitoring the situation closely, and the level of competition for his signature is expected to increase in the coming days as teams respond to Brentford’s opening bid.

Diouf is under contract at West Ham until 30 June 2030, a long-term agreement that puts the Premier League club in a strong position to negotiate. His market value is currently estimated at €28m by Transfermarkt, setting a rough benchmark for potential suitors as talks develop.

Decisive weeks ahead for Diouf and West Ham

The coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining Diouf’s next move, with several clubs hoping to take advantage of the summer transfer window to lure him away from London.

West Ham must now decide whether to cash in on a player whose value has risen since his arrival from Slavia Prague, or retain him as part of their push to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

For Diouf, who has already made a significant impact at club level in the Czech Republic and on the international stage with Senegal, the decision could shape the next phase of a rapidly developing career.