Brentford are reportedly closing in on a deal worth up to €47m (£40m) for West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, with an agreement between the two clubs now described as imminent.
The 21-year-old only joined West Ham from Slavia Prague last summer, but the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship has opened the door to an immediate return to the Premier League. Diouf cost West Ham around £19m in July 2025 and made more than 30 league appearances during his first season in England.
According to Sport Witness, Brentford have now returned with an improved formal offer which could reach €47m. The proposal is reported to include €41m (£35m) guaranteed, with a further €6m (£5m) potentially due through add-ons.
West Ham had previously rejected Brentford’s opening approach, while reports suggested they were looking for a package somewhere between €46.8m (£40.04m) and €52.7m (£45.09m). Sunderland have also been credited with an interest, but Brentford appear to have moved into a commanding position in the race.
The latest report, originating from Senegal, claims discussions have now advanced to the point where only the final details remain to be settled.
“At this stage, the agreement is imminent. The announcement of the transfer is now expected shortly, subject to the finalisation of the last details of the operation.”
Diouf has still featured for West Ham during the opening weeks of the new campaign, coming off the bench in their League Cup victory over Portsmouth and their 2-2 Championship draw with Burnley. However, he is reportedly open to joining Brentford and all sides are now working towards completing the transfer.
The Senegal international’s stock has risen quickly over the past few years. After beginning his European career with Tromsø, he moved to Slavia Prague in January 2024 and developed into an attacking left wing-back, scoring eight league goals during his time in the Czech Republic. He subsequently joined West Ham in July 2025 and has also established himself at senior international level with Senegal.
If the reported figures are correct, West Ham would make a substantial profit on a player they signed barely 13 months ago. The Hammers are preparing for their first Championship campaign since 2011/12 following relegation last season, and a deal of this size would also provide significant funds for Nuno Espírito Santo to reshape his squad.
Losing Diouf would undoubtedly weaken West Ham on the pitch, but the numbers involved make this a difficult offer to ignore following relegation. Turning a £19m signing into a potential €47m sale after a single season represents an excellent return, particularly when the club now has to build a squad capable of winning promotion from the Championship.