Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf attracts Brentford interest after West Ham relegation

Brentford have reportedly made their first move to sign Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the Premier League club submitting an opening offer for the West Ham defender following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old left-back has emerged as one of the players attracting significant attention during the summer transfer window after West Ham’s drop from the top flight.

According to Foot Mercato, Brentford have taken the first concrete step by lodging an initial proposal in an attempt to secure the services of the former Slavia Prague defender.

Diouf only joined West Ham last year in a deal worth around €25 million, arriving with high expectations after impressing during his time in the Czech Republic.

Although he has spent just one season at the London club, his future has quickly become the subject of transfer speculation following the team’s relegation.

Brentford’s approach suggests the club sees the Senegal international as a player capable of strengthening its defensive options ahead of the new campaign. However, the report indicates that the Bees may not have a clear path to completing the transfer.

Diouf continues to enjoy a strong reputation in English football despite West Ham’s disappointing season. His performances and potential have ensured that interest in his services remains high, making him one of the defenders being closely monitored during the current transfer window.

While Brentford are the first club reported to have made a formal approach, competition for the Senegalese defender could increase in the coming weeks.

His standing within the Premier League means additional clubs are expected to enter the race before the summer transfer window closes.

That growing interest could influence negotiations as West Ham assess the future of one of their young defensive assets.

Having invested around €25 million to bring Diouf from Slavia Prague, the Championship side now faces increasing attention from top-flight clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

For Brentford, the opening offer marks the beginning of their pursuit of the 21-year-old. Whether that bid proves enough remains uncertain, with further interest from rival Premier League clubs anticipated before the transfer deadline.

As the transfer window progresses, Diouf’s future is likely to remain a closely watched story, with Brentford making the first move but potentially facing competition for one of Senegal’s promising young defenders.