Issa Diop has seen his stock rise significantly since joining West Ham United from Toulouse last summer.
The young French defender has been outstanding for us in the middle of the backline and has helped to solidify an area that has been a problem for us over the past few years. In his 33 Premier League appearances, the 22-year-old managed an average of 2.1 tackles per game and an average of 1.9 interceptions per match as he snuffed out the danger in the final third (WhoScored) – a significant upgrade on the statistics recorded by many of the players in the previous campaign (WhoScored).
So, it is hardly any wonder as to why Manchester United are thought to be interested in taking away our talented enforcer from the London Stadium this summer. Sky Sports claimed that they were prepared to give us £45million to sign him, however, we have already issued them a good old fashioned ‘hands-off’ warning.
As we mentioned in a previous article here on Vital West Ham, we feel it would be a backwards step if the Hammers were to decide to cash in on him as we feel he is one for the future and could become one of the key men within the spine of the side.
However, one popular fan on Twitter, Geo Mackie, has an opinion that many of the club’s faithful appear to agree with.
Known under the handle @redhammer8, he revealed that he felt the situation was a ‘win/win’ for the club as they would either keep a top centre-back on their books who would only get better or they would be able to get a massive fee that would put them in a position to reinvest once again.
Fans replied in their droves to his remark and a vast majority of them appeared to agree with the comment as they felt the club were finally in a strong position when it came down to negotiations for the first time in a long while. Here are some of their reactions…
I agree, and there’s already 2 CB’s were linked with who sound promising.
— Paul Addison (@Paddison93) June 18, 2019
For the right amount I’d be ok with him leaving
— Niall Tasker (@tiskyboo) June 18, 2019
If his head gets turned, we will sell for a large amount ????
— Edward Fordham (@EdFordy) June 18, 2019
Totally agree with you
— DoubleD (@Dav1dDobe11) June 18, 2019
You are very right. Credit to the club… and I hope that is Husillos, for identifying a player of such potential. Nothing wrong with selling if it’s the right price at the right time. And £40m profit on a single player would be great business.
— Jon Bish (@Bishy613) June 18, 2019
Agreed mate.
— phil trott (@DartmoorLegend) June 18, 2019
I totally agree. The only wrench could be if Diop asks for a transfer, otherwise we are negotiating from a position of strength for the first time in a while. ⚒⚒⚒
— Benjamin Haas (@BHaasTSD) June 18, 2019