El Hadji Malick Diouf made his first appearance for West Ham United on Saturday evening, delivering a promising debut in a 3-1 pre-season victory over Swiss side Grasshoppers.
The 20-year-old Senegalese full-back, who joined the Hammers only days ago, was introduced in the second half and quickly made his presence felt.
Diouf, operating on the left flank, showed poise and energy in equal measure, combining effectively with Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paquetá to create several attacking opportunities. His dynamism and willingness to push forward earned plaudits from both supporters and coaching staff.
Signed from Czech side FK Teplice this summer, Diouf’s transfer was completed for a reported fee between £19 million and £22 million (€22 million–€25 million), setting a new record as the most expensive player ever to leave the Czech Liga. He has committed to a long-term deal with the East London club.
During the match, Diouf’s pace and directness were immediately apparent. On multiple occasions, he overlapped with precision and delivered crosses that troubled the Grasshoppers’ defence.
Although not involved in the goals directly, his off-the-ball movement created space for others to exploit—an aspect of his game that caught the attention of West Ham fans watching closely.
The friendly, played as part of West Ham’s preparations for the upcoming Premier League season, also marked one of Graham Potter’s early outings in charge of the squad following his recent appointment.
The manager appeared satisfied with his team’s performance, particularly the impact made by his new defensive recruit.
Diouf’s arrival is viewed as a statement of intent by West Ham, who have been seeking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of a demanding campaign.
His previous spell at Norwegian club Tromsø was seen as a key stage in his development, and his performances there drew interest from several European teams before West Ham won the race for his signature.
Supporters have taken to social media to praise Diouf’s composure and attacking intent, with many tipping him to become a regular fixture in Potter’s starting lineup.
His connection with Paquetá, in particular, was singled out as a highlight of the match—suggesting early signs of a productive partnership on the left side.
While it remains early days for the young Senegalese international, Saturday’s display offered a glimpse of what he could bring to the Premier League.
His stamina, technical ability, and willingness to engage in both offensive and defensive phases signal strong potential.
With just weeks remaining before the season opener, Diouf will be eager to build on his encouraging start and continue earning the trust of his manager and teammates.
As the Hammers gear up for a campaign that includes domestic and European commitments, the competition for places is fierce—but Diouf’s debut has certainly strengthened his case.
West Ham’s pre-season preparations will continue with further friendlies scheduled over the coming fortnight, offering more opportunities for Diouf to settle into his new surroundings and adapt to the pace and physicality of English football.
For now, his debut will be remembered as a solid step forward in what promises to be a closely watched Premier League journey.
El Hadj Malick Diouf pre-season debut.@whufc_wills pic.twitter.com/FyGo0x5pd3
— Central (@WestHam_Central) July 19, 2025
