West Ham land Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf | OneFootball

West Ham have completed their first signing of the summer, securing Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.

The transfer fee is reported to be around £19.5 million (€22m), plus potential add-ons, as the 20-year-old commits to a long-term deal at the London Stadium.

Diouf impressed last season in the Czech top flight, featuring in 41 appearances across all competitions for Slavia Prague, contributing seven goals and four assists.

The Senegal international also caught the attention during international fixtures, particularly in June when he helped Senegal to a 3-1 victory over England. He was instrumental in that game, effectively shutting down Bukayo Saka.

His arrival signals a summer of change at West Ham, who have seen a number of key players leave recently. Aaron Cresswell, the club’s long-serving left-back, has departed, alongside Mohammed Kudus, Lukasz Fabianski and Danny Ings.

Speaking to the club's media team, he said: “I’m really happy to be here and to make a progression for my career. I’m looking forward to working hard and joining my new team-mates.

“There were a lot of teams [who wanted to sign me], but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was a good plan for me.

“Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone. When they are here, they want to make everything good. I think they also have the personality to play here and if you are young, you want to continue your progression.

“If you are young, you have to keep your personality. It’s about the team. The most important thing is the team, not the player. I want to say to the West Ham supporters I’m very happy to be here with them. I think we’ll make a very good season this year.”