Foreign clubs have been interested in Diouf for a while. Crystal Palace made an offer for him in the winter, but they couldn't reach an agreement with Slavia. However, after Senegal's 3-1 win over England in June, where Diouf performed well, Premier League clubs became even more interested in signing him.

West Ham eventually managed to secure the talented player by offering Slavia 22 million euros, plus an additional four million euros in bonuses. The Prague club also has the option to receive a percentage of any future sales, which would be a record transfer from the Czech league. Diouf has signed a long-term contract with West Ham and will wear the number 12 shirt.

Diouf expressed his happiness about joining West Ham and taking the next step in his career. He is looking forward to working hard and getting to know his new teammates. "Several clubs were interested, but West Ham was my first choice," he said. He also spoke to Head Coach Graham Potter, who presented a plan that made sense to him.

Diouf described the Premier League as the pinnacle of his career. "It's everyone's dream," he said. "When you get there, you have to show your best. The important thing is to keep your personality, but always think about the team." He also expressed his gratitude to the West Ham fans and his confidence in having a great season.

Head Coach Graham Potter is pleased with the new signing. "We have been watching El Hadji for quite some time," he said. "He's a strong character who has consistently delivered good performances. The Premier League will be a challenge for him, but he is ready for it - hungry, ambitious, and determined to fit into our team."

Diouf joined Slavia at the start of 2024 from Tromso in Norway and gradually worked his way into one of the key men of their squad. He played a total of 50 competitive matches for the Prague club, scoring nine goals and setting up four more for his teammates.

Diouf's talent and determination have made him a sought-after player, and West Ham is confident that he will be a valuable addition to their team.