Liverpool and Chelsea sound out Brentford’s Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf

Liverpool and Chelsea have contacted the representatives of Brentford and Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf about a possible move in 2027.

The Premier League clubs are understood to have identified the 21-year-old as a potential target for future transfer windows, with both sides looking to strengthen at left-back.

Liverpool and Chelsea are currently in the Premier League’s top five, and their new managers have plenty to be pleased about. However, left-back remains an area of concern for both teams, particularly in terms of quality rather than squad depth.

Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas at Liverpool, along with Marco Palestra, Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria at Chelsea, are reportedly not regarded as undisputed first-choice options.

According to Senegalese outlet D Sports, Diouf has emerged as a preferred option for both clubs. The report says Liverpool and Chelsea have already spoken to his representatives to assess the possibility of a future transfer.

Diouf’s limited involvement in the Premier League since joining Brentford from West Ham this summer is believed to have contributed to the interest. The Senegal international was signed for 48 million euros but has started only one league match, while making four appearances from the bench. He has also made two further starts in the League Cup.

His contract with Brentford runs until at least 2031, meaning the club’s hierarchy is expected to reject any approach. Diouf had arrived expecting to play regularly, but Keane Lewis-Potter has established himself in the position since the start of the season.

Diouf is known for his physical presence, energy and crossing ability. Brentford are regarded as a club that operates carefully in the transfer market and would not have signed him without a long-term plan.

Despite Lewis-Potter’s form, Diouf is expected to receive more opportunities as the season progresses. Brentford are aiming to secure the first European qualification in their history, and the Senegalese player could have an important role in that pursuit.

Should Brentford finish in the top eight of the Premier League, potential suitors would have little chance of persuading the Bees to sell. The club would be under no pressure to part with a player whose contract extends to at least 2031.

Diouf has been included in Patrick Vieira’s Senegal squad for the two-legged meeting with Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He is also expected to become increasingly important for his country following the international retirement of Ismail Jakobs.