
West Ham United
Premier League • England
West Ham rival Aguerd sellers for signature of PSG misfit Abdou Diallo, as additional defender deal considered

West Ham United are one of the contenders to sign Abdou Diallo from Paris Saint-Germain, although they face competition from a club they have already dealt with this summer.
That’s according to French outlet Media Foot, who reiterate that PSG want rid of the defender this summer. There will be an overhaul of their options ahead of a new era overseen by Christophe Galtier and Luis Campos, and Diallo is one of the players at risk of being sold.
West Ham were already linked with the left-footed centre-back in January. Now, they still appear to be in contention for his signature despite since adding Nayef Aguerd from Rennes.
Interestingly, Rennes are named by Media Foot as another rival for the signature of Diallo, to replace Aguerd accordingly. But there is a chance West Ham could end up with both of them in their squad.
The report claims PSG are predicting they will make a loss on Diallo, whom they signed from Borussia Dortmund for more than €30m in 2019.
However, the French champions will still be seeking a significant windfall. Hence, West Ham would have to pay around €20m (£16.8m) if they want to sign Diallo. A compromise over the fee is supposedly unlikely, despite Diallo’s contract only running until 2024.
Now, West Ham must work out how much they need Diallo and whether a price of around £17m would be fair.
In addition to Aguerd – who has had to undergo surgery on an injury already – they already have Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna in defence. Issa Diop has been linked with an exit, since Fulham are trying to take him.
There have also been suggestions that West Ham will be switching to a formation with three central defenders next season. In that instance, with four competitions to play in, squad depth will be important.
Rennes move may make more sense for Abdou Diallo
Diallo could therefore be someone to consider, but perhaps Rennes will have the greater need due to Aguerd’s move. What’s more, they have Europa League football on offer in 2022-23; in contrast, West Ham will be competing in the Europa Conference League.
Still, Diallo could be someone for the Hammers to keep an eye on, especially if Diop departs. Besides, Dawson and Ogbonna are both over 30 years old now, so looking to the future would not harm.
Diallo, a full Senegal international with 17 caps, is approaching his prime years at the age of 26. He would therefore benefit from spending them at a club where he would be more wanted than he is at PSG.
Whether his next destination could end up being the London Stadium is something only time will tell.
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