Seven first-team players are heavier after agreeing to a reported £15 million fee for West Ham United defender, Issa Diop.
They could have easily picked up three points against the Reds. Due to the fact that they conceded two easy and cheap goals, the club brought in additional protection for the backline.
The club released a statement of the transfer with an undisclosed fee while The Athletic believes the total amount to be around 15 million dollars. The Frenchman has signed a five-year contract with the Cottage.
Fulham have confirmed the signing of Issa Diop from West Ham United.
The former France Under-21 international joins for a fee understood to be worth £15million, with no add-ons.
The 25-year-old centre back completed a medical at Motspur Park on Tuesday and has signed a five-year contract.
(Via: theathletic.com)
It Was Time for Diop to Leave West Ham United
While in East London, Diop displayed some of his brilliance after he moved from Toulouse. He went from making 35-plus appearances for West Ham in his first two seasons to making just 21 and 26 in his follow-up seasons.
As a result of the Hammers adding Kurt Zouma to their ranks, Issa’s game time has become limited. His time at the London Stadium was drawing to a close.
He was linked with a summer exit last summer, but the Hammers decided to keep him for one more season. All parties involved in the transfer are winners now that they have cash.
“A player that can play easily both sides.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva on new signing Issa Diop.
pic.twitter.com/rjrxYpiRVb
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 11, 2022
Fulham Were in Need of More Defensive Options
The Cottagers conceded the third most goals with 43, out of the top five finishing clubs in the Championship.
Better defensive options were needed due to the fact that it took them just 16 minutes to score two goals and the fact that they lost the lead twice in the game. The inclusion of the French defender, who showed world-class promise while at Toulouse, makes a lot of sense.
Issi Diop on his move to Fulham:
I’m very happy, very happy to join Fulham. I hope it’s going to be a very good chapter of my career.
It’s all official now, so I’m happy. I just want to train with the team now, and let’s get to work.
(via: fulhamfc.com)
Next up is a game against Wolves in the premier league. The Wanderers lost to an improved United side in their first game.
