---
title: "West Ham identify Malick Diouf replacement after £4.3m Wrexham bid"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/24/west-ham-identify-malick-diouf-replacement-after-4-3m-wrexham-bid/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham Transfer News"
published: "2026-08-24T12:40:45Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:15:24Z"
---

# West Ham identify Malick Diouf replacement after £4.3m Wrexham bid

**West Ham United have identified Angers defender Jacques Ekomie as a potential replacement for Malick Diouf, but Wrexham have already submitted a £4.3million offer for the left-back.**

The Gabon international has emerged as an option as [Brentford](https://readwestham.com/tag/brentford/) continue pursuing Diouf, whose future remains unresolved ahead of the final days of the transfer window.

[Football Insider reports that West Ham have joined the race for Ekomie](https://www.footballinsider247.com/west-ham-united/sources-west-ham-in-race-to-sign-jacques-ekomie?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side considering the 23-year-old as a possible successor should Diouf depart.

Hamburg are also interested, while Angers are understood to be open to a sale because Ekomie has entered the final year of his contract.

> West Ham are ready to join Wrexham in the hunt for Angers left-back Jacques Ekomie as they have targeted him as a potential replacement for Brentford target El Hadji Malick Diouf. Hamburg are also interested in Ekomie with Angers open to selling the defender. [#WxmAFC](https://x.com/hashtag/WxmAFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#WHUFC](https://x.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ee1PCgOPK2](https://t.co/ee1PCgOPK2)
>
> — Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportsPeteO/status/2091800184187474122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## West Ham identify Malick Diouf replacement

West Ham’s interest does not mean an agreement has been reached for Diouf.

Brentford have pursued the Senegal international throughout the summer, with [previous discussions leaving a significant gap between the clubs’ valuations](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/19/west-ham-40m-malick-diouf-saga-takes-fresh-twist-as-brentford-reopen-talks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

However, identifying a replacement suggests the Hammers are preparing for the possibility of losing the 21-year-old.

Diouf appeared as a substitute against Burnley before missing the squad for West Ham’s defeat to Charlton Athletic. Ollie Scarles has featured at left-back, but allowing Diouf to leave without recruiting another defender would reduce Nuno’s options.

[West Ham’s wider financial position has already increased the importance of balancing potential player sales against their promotion ambitions](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/24/west-ham-face-fresh-player-sales-threat-if-promotion-bid-fails/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

A substantial fee for Diouf could therefore create room to strengthen elsewhere, provided the club finds a replacement at a lower price.

## Wrexham submit £4.3m bid for Jacques Ekomie

West Ham may have to move quickly if Ekomie becomes their preferred target.

[Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph says Wrexham have made a £4.3m bid for the Angers defender](https://x.com/AnthonyRJoseph/status/2090879236466778210).

The offer belongs to Wrexham, not West Ham, and there is currently no confirmation that the Hammers have submitted a proposal.

Ekomie joined Angers from Bordeaux and has established himself in Ligue 1. [The72 reports that he featured in 32 of Angers’ 34 league matches last season](https://the72.co.uk/2026/08/23/wrexham-bid-angers-jacques-ekomie/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

He is considered a more defensively focused full-back than Diouf, whose attacking delivery has attracted Premier League interest.

West Ham are also assessing other possible departures after [Olympiacos submitted an €8m offer for Edson Álvarez](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/23/west-ham-receive-fresh-edson-alvarez-proposal-as-transfer-race-changes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

For now, Ekomie is a reported target rather than an agreed signing. Whether West Ham advance their interest could depend on what happens next with Diouf.