Last summer saw Manuel Pellegrini conduct some mightily impressive business in his debut transfer window with West Ham. Bringing the likes of Lukas Fabianski, Felipe Anderson, Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop in proved to be incredible, but this summer, holding onto Diop could be the Hammers’ best move.
The £31.5m rated ace, as per Transfermarkt, came into his own last season and shone at the heart of the club’s defence as Pellegrini made a positive start at London Stadium, finishing 10th in his debut campaign.
The performances of Diop were eye-catching, and interest in the former Toulouse star was always going to be inevitable, as Manchester United soon came calling. Back in June, The Telegraph reported back in June that the French defender was valued at £75m by West Ham, and Man United’s supposed £45m offer had fallen well short.
After that, little was heard regarding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pursuit of the West Ham man, and with The Sun’s recent story claiming that the Red Devils have bid £80m for Harry Maguire, it looks like the Diop to Old Trafford rumours are well and truly dead.
Just to confirm that, reliable West Ham news source ExWHUemployee took to Twitter to respond to a fan asking about Diop, and he claimed that Man United have given up on the Frenchman after hearing that he isn’t for sale.
That could be a masterstroke. Last season saw Diop star for the Hammers alongside ‘The General’ Fabian Balbuena, and the pair will likely be the two that Pellegrini looks to use as his first choice next season.
It’s hard to put a price on a top defender in the current market, but if Maguire’s going for £80m then the Hammers will struggle to replace a top centre-back like Diop for a price anywhere near to the £22m they spent on him last year (BBC).
When comparing Maguire to the West Ham man, it becomes even more clear why Pellegrini and co. were so quick to shoot down Manchester United’s interest.
Diop (22) is four years younger than Maguire (26), yet he averages more tackles, interceptions and blocks than the Leicester man per 90 minutes as well as giving away fewer fouls, as per WhoScored’s player comparison tool.
The Irons may be ecstatic if they can get through a deal for a top striker like Sebastien Haller, but ultimately, the decision to stand firm and not give in to the millions on offer for Diop could prove to be the smartest move that the club makes this summer.
