El Hadji Malick Diouf Emerges as West Ham Bright Spot Amid Struggles

West Ham’s summer signings have struggled, with Callum Wilson scoring once and others underperforming. The exception is El Hadji Malick Diouf, signed from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The Senegalese full-back has impressed with two assists in four games, providing attacking and defensive balance. If relegation looms, he could be one of the first stars to leave.

During the summer of 2025, West Ham United’s transfer window produced mixed results, with only one new signing making a significant impact. Callum Wilson has scored just once in a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest but has otherwise struggled up front, while Kyle Walker-Peters is still adapting at right back. Mateus Fernandes has looked uncomfortable playing out wide instead of in midfield, Soungoutou Magassa has featured only once, and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has endured a poor start.

Amid these disappointments, Senegalese left back El Hadji Malick Diouf has stood out as a rare success. Signed from Slavia Prague for £19 million, Diouf has combined defensive strength with attacking intent, providing two assists in his first four Premier League appearances. Only Lucas Paquetá has posed a greater attacking threat for the Hammers.

However, Diouf’s strong displays come at a time when the team is struggling overall. West Ham have lost three of their first four matches, leaving them 18th in the table and facing early talk of a relegation battle. Commentator Ian Darke praised Diouf as an “eye-catching signing” but warned that if West Ham’s form does not improve, the club may struggle to hold on to him beyond this season.