The summer transfer window is still a couple of weeks away. But, even as early as April 1st, is starting to feel inevitable that we are witnessing the dying embers of Issa Diop’s West Ham United career.
If that dreadful performance against non-league Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup third-round – as West Ham needed extra-time and a Declan Rice masterclass to progress – was Diop’s last rites, then David Moyes’ pursuit of another central defender feels like the final nail in his London Stadium coffin.
Berliner Kurier reported on Friday that Niklas Stark is a summer target for the Hammers and Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Stark is a favourite of Moyes, having held talks with the Hammers late last year (Sport1).
What’s more, Hertha Berlin director Fredi Bobic has since confirmed that the two-time Germany international will be leaving on a free when his contract expires in July.
Moyes is also a fan of Lille’s Sven Botman – he’s not alone in that regard – and long-term target Duje Caleta-Car. Both players are expected to leave their Ligue 1 employers before September.
Even Dejan Lovren has been linked, though Zenit St Petersburg have distanced themselves from speculation regarding the 32-year-old’s future at the Russian Premier League leaders.
Is Issa Diop done at West Ham?
If a new defender arrives, Diop will surely be the man to make way.
The Frenchman has only started nine league games this term. Most of those came when Kurt Zouma was out injured at the start of 2022. Furthermore, with his contract expiring in just over 12 months’ time, this is perhaps West Ham’s last chance to recoup a decent portion of their £22 million outlay.
According to FootMercato, the Hammers would accept £12 million this summer amid interest from Lyon. That is a lot less than the £60 million West Ham wanted for Diop a couple of seasons ago, when Manchester United came calling.
But £12 million is still better than nothing.
Diop only turned 25 in January. There’s still plenty of time on his side. And history is littered with examples of down-on-their-luck players who have jump-started their stalling careers in new surroundings.
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Lyon, one of the sides to express an interest, have had a similarly transformative effect on the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Karl Toko Ekambi and Tanguy Ndombele.
A fresh start certainly feels like exactly what Diop needs right now. More so than ever.
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