El Hadji Malick Diouf joins West Ham from Slavia Prague for £19m

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19m.

The 20-year-old joins the Hammers on a long-term contract and is expected to meet up with the club’s pre-season training camp in Germany this week.

Diouf was a key player for Slavia Prague when they won the Czech top-flight title last season.

He said “a lot of clubs” were interested in signing him, but he chose West Ham, as it “was a good plan for me”.

“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,” Diouf told the club’s website. , external

“Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone.”

Manager Graham Potter said Diouf, who can play at left-back or left wing-back, was a player the club had been watching for some time.

“He is young, hungry and ambitious, and I think he will be a very positive addition to the group,” he added.