West Ham United have reportedly received a £35m bid from Brentford for their 21-year-old left-back, El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the package potentially rising to around £40m through add-ons. RoshaneSport reported the claim, with James Hokery relaying the exclusive on social media. The report says the Hammers now look likely to accept the proposal, while Manchester United youngster Harry Amass has emerged as their preferred replacement and an opening offer could arrive within days.
West Ham United face £40m transfer call
That claim follows reports that Brentford had already seen an earlier approach rejected, with talkSPORT reporting on August 11 that the Bees planned a fresh offer worth up to £40m.
Diouf started 30 of West Ham’s 38 Premier League matches last season, producing five assists across 32 appearances and 2,711 minutes. He then featured for Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, starting against France and Norway before appearing from the bench against Belgium.
T4O take: Why West Ham United should sell
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: El Hadji Malick Diouf of West Ham United celebrates after Crysencio Summerville of West Ham United (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on March 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
I’d take the money. Quickly.
West Ham paid a reported initial £19m for Diouf last summer, according to Reuters, although other reports have put the deal at £22m plus add-ons. So the proposed £35m would represent a substantial gain after one season, while £40m would push the gross uplift much higher.
There’s a problem, though. The financial argument works only if the Hammers reinvest properly. Diouf gave them five assists and 3.62 crosses per 90, while available statistical data puts his passing completion at 74.61%.
Still, selling makes sense because Diouf reportedly wants an immediate Premier League return, while Nuno Espírito Santo needs a squad capable of surviving a long Championship campaign. Keeping an unhappy starter carries its own cost.
Harry Amass provides an exciting answer. Manchester United could sanction his sale for roughly £6m, and the 19-year-old won Sheffield Wednesday’s Player of the Month award twice during his loan spell. That would leave West Ham with roughly £30m-plus before other costs.
But calling the switch risk-free would be too much. Amass has promise, yet Diouf already proved he could handle Premier League football. West Ham should accept £40m, provided they secure the replacement and spend the difference sensibly. Otherwise, they may simply create another hole in the squad.