Sunderland and Brentford ‘to move for’ West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf | OneFootball

Sunderland are seeking further defensive additions and have been linked with West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, with Brentford also in the frame. They have made one signing so far this summer.

DS Sport in Senegal claims both clubs are keen on the 21-year-old. Sport Witness reports Sunderland have joined Brentford in the chase, adding that he joined from Slavia Prague in July 2025 and made 35 appearances as West Ham were relegated.

Reports last month said Brentford had a bid rejected, and the defender is valued at £40m-£50m. Porto have also previously been credited with interest.

Sunderland are reshaping the squad. Leo Hjelde’s exit on Tuesday night continues Florent Ghisolfi’s effort to trim numbers and wages, with Anthony Patterson moving to Wrexham and Arthur Masuaku joining Konyaspor. Abdoullah Ba is also close to joining League One side Peterborough United.

After the win over RC Lens, Régis Le Bris praised Thomas Meunier and said the group are already well connected, noting that keeping core strength counts as the first good recruitment. He said they will look to add two, three or four players, and that the window remains unpredictable with a focus on precise profiles. He cautioned that new signings do not automatically make the team stronger.

Le Bris highlighted culture and collective growth shown in the USA and against Lens, and said the Premier League will be demanding but a new step forward.

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”