Speaking to the press while on international duty, El Hadji Malick Diouf said that his ideal is to be at a top club, among the five best in the world. He believes he has the potential to get there through hard work and hopes to achieve that. Diouf added that he is remaining patient, as he has only been playing professionally for two years.

Speculation suggests that if West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League, 20-year-old Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf could leave the club. Ian Darke commented that Diouf would inevitably attract interest from other clubs if West Ham are relegated. No specific interested club is named. His contract runs until 2030, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €18m.