The Hammers defender Issa Diop joined the club from Toulouse before the 2018/19 season for a fee of around 25.9 million euros but has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at the London Stadium and made ten Premier League starts last season. And now according to RMC Sport, Fulham’s deal to sign the West Ham player is ”almost complete.”
It is stated that “only a few details” need to be “settled” before the transfer can be completed. According to the report, the “transfer fee is estimated to be more than 20 million.”
Following the arrival of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd last month, he is now surplus to requirements at the London Stadium and will be allowed to leave this summer.
Diop made only 12 Premier League appearances for the Hammers last season, falling down the pecking order following the marquee signing of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea before suffering an ankle injury late in the season.
Over the last four seasons, the 25-year-old has appeared 121 times for David Moyes’ side in all competitions. Craig Dawson’s form, combined with Angelo Ogbonna’s return to fitness and the arrival of Aguerd, means the Frenchman is effectively David Moyes‘ fifth-choice central defender.
The Cottagers are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League. While they had a strong defensive record last season, they conceded the most goals of the three promoted teams.
As a result, bringing in a new centre-back with a point to prove could be advantageous. Diop could soon be competing at Craven Cottage alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream, and Terence Kongolo.
Lyon have also been linked with a move for Diop, but Fulham are thought to be his most likely next destination as manager Marco Silva looks to strengthen his Championship-winning squad.
Silva is said to be concerned about the Cottagers’ slow start to the transfer window, but business is finally picking up, with the club confirming the signing of Joao Palhinha from Sporting Club earlier this week.
They are also in talks with Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and deals with Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon are also said to be nearing completion.
