ISSA SECOND SIGNING FOR THE HAMMERS

21-year-old defender Issa Diop becomes the second signing of the summer for the Hammers, bolstering Manuel Pellegrini’s defensive options.

The Frenchman arrives for what is rumoured to be around £25m, which would make him our most expensive transfer in history.

https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/1009118620247445504

Fast, tall and strong. Three attributes you want in a defender, and Diop possesses them all.

Although he is only 21, he was made Toulouse captain as he acquires excellent leadership skills, and it will be refreshing to see him organise our defence for next season.

This is a very exciting time for us as fans. New manager, new Head of Director and now another fantastic signing.

We have been crying out for someone who is calm on the ball and can play out from the back, and Diop can do just that. He is a forward thinker, which should complement Pellegrini’s attacking style perfectly.

Diop was monitored by the likes of FC Barcelona and Arsenal before choosing to join us, which again is a massive step forwards for this football club.

If you want to see what our new signing is all about, you can watch this video which highlights all the quality characteristics he is bringing to London.

Pellegrini appears to building from the back with his signings. We have already signed Ryan Fredricks, now Diop. Fabianski is also expected to complete his move from Swansea City very soon, again strengthening from the back to begin with.

This is smart from Pellegrini. We leaked too many goals last season, and our priority should be to strengthen our weakest area, which the new manager has done tremendously well so far.

However, we need to keep improving, we cannot stop here.

This is a transition. We must be patient, but the signs are there that we are making progress and heading in the right direction.

Issa great day to be a West Ham fan!

Written by Frankie Levin – Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrankWHUFC