How Nuno really feels about West Ham keeping El Hadji Malick Diouf | OneFootball

El Hadji Malick Diouf has been linked with a move away from West Ham this summer

West Ham are set for a busy summer transfer window following their relegation from the Premier League

The Hammers finished 18th in the top flight, failing to survive by just two points in their battle against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The London outfit will be keen to earn promotion straight back at the first attempt, as they now prepare for their first Championship campaign since 2012.

Nuno Espírito Santo has been tasked with overseeing their promotion push, but he faces the prospect of losing a number of key players.

The likes of Mateus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville have all become the subject of interest in recent weeks.

There could be a lot of upheaval in the first team squad before the season gets underway on 16 August with a trip to Burnley.

How Nuno Espírito Santo feels about El Hadji Malick Diouf’s future

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It has been reported by Claret & Hugh that one player that Espírito Santo does not want West Ham to lose this summer is El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The defender is currently competing in the World Cup with Senegal, who progressed to the round of 32 by coming third in their group.

The full-back played in defeats to both France and Norway, with the Lions of Teranga set to play Belgium in the first knockout round of the competition.

It’s likely any decision on his future won’t be made until he makes his return to the London Stadium following the conclusion of Senegal’s campaign in North America.

However, Espirito Santo is understood to want to keep Diouf in the team despite the club’s relegation.

It’s believed that West Ham are not searching for a new left-back, indicating that the 21-year-old will be staying with the Championship side this summer.

It was reported in April that Diouf had emerged as a transfer option for Manchester United.

How West Ham fans feel about El Hadji Malick Diouf’s future

West Ham fans have criticised Diouf’s performances for West Ham, suggesting that they’d be open to his sale.

Some fans believe that Diouf is better suited to playing as a wing-back, or potentially as a left-winger for the team instead of at full-back.

While other supporters have made their frustrations clear at Diouf potentially staying and Ollie Scarles going out on loan.

Diouf joined West Ham last summer, and he made 32 appearances in the Premier League, contributing five assists.

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El Hadji Malick Diouf can be key to West Ham’s promotion push

While some supporters have criticised his output for West Ham, Diouf is still only 21 and there is a reason why a club like Man United have shown an interest in him.

The defender could be a key part of their promotion push, particularly given how much of a threat he posed in the final third last season in the Premier League.

There’s no doubt that he needs to iron out the defensive issues in his game, but working under Espírito Santo can help with that.

It’s not surprising in the least that the Portuguese coach wants to keep him, and Diouf is someone that could thrive next season under him.