Slavia Prague Rejects West Ham Offer for El Hadji Malick Diouf
Czech football giants SK Slavia Prague have reportedly rejected a €20 million transfer bid from English Premier League side West Ham United for their rising star, El Hadji Malick Diouf, sparking widespread interest across Europe’s top leagues.
The 20-year-old Senegalese left-back has been a standout performer in the Czech Fortuna Liga over the past two seasons. His explosive pace, defensive solidity, and attacking flair have made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football. However, Slavia Prague have made it clear they are not willing to part ways with Diouf—at least not for the fee currently on the table.
Slavia Values Diouf Highly
According to reports from European football outlets, Slavia’s board considers Diouf a central figure in their long-term plans. Club insiders confirmed that the €20 million offered by West Ham does not reflect the player’s value or future potential.
“We understand the interest, but Malick is not for sale at that price,” a senior club official told Czech media. “He is a crucial part of our project and a key player in our push for success in Europe.”
With Slavia gearing up for a critical UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign, losing a core defensive player now would be disruptive, especially given his recent performances that have caught the eyes of scouts from England, Germany, and Italy.
West Ham’s Growing Interest
West Ham United, currently rebuilding their squad under a new coaching regime, see Diouf as a future mainstay in their defense. Having previously found success with Czech stars like Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal, the Hammers have maintained strong scouting connections in Prague. Sources suggest Souček himself may have played an informal role in West Ham’s initial outreach for Diouf.
While West Ham’s offer was swiftly turned down, football analysts believe the London club may return with an improved bid in the coming weeks—potentially exceeding €25 million. Whether Slavia will entertain such proposals remains to be seen.
Diouf Remains Focused
El Hadji Malick Diouf, despite being at the center of transfer rumors, has remained professional and committed to Slavia Prague. The player has not made any public comments regarding the speculation, and is currently training with the squad ahead of their pre-season fixtures.
Club captain Jan Bořil praised Diouf’s composure, saying, “He’s mature beyond his years. All this noise doesn’t affect him—he’s focused on football and helping us achieve our goals.”
A Statement of Intent
By rejecting West Ham’s offer, Slavia Prague have sent a clear message: they are no longer merely a selling club but are ready to retain and build around top talents like Diouf. With European ambitions growing and local dominance to defend, Slavia appears set on keeping their defensive gem for at least another season—unless a significantly higher offer arrives.
