Senegal's captain and defender Cheikhou Kouyate (L) and Senegal's midfielder Pape Alioune Ndiaye wave to supporters from a window of a bus as they arrive in Dakar on July 20, 2019 a day after losing the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football final match against Algeria in Egypt. - (Photo by Seyllou / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images)
According to The Sun, West Ham are considering the signing of Pape-Alioune Ndiaye. The Senegalese, who is having a stellar season with Vorskla Poltava, is said to be of interest to David Moyes. Ndiaye was said to be a target for the club earlier this season but now they are stepping up their efforts.
Pape-Alioune Ndiaye is a 22-year-old Senegalese center-back who plays for Ukranian side Vorskla Poltava. A youth product of Société de Management et d’Accompagnement Sportif et Humain (S.M.A.S.H.), he joined Valenciennes in 2013. Spending 3 years in their youth side, he moved to Bologna’s U-19 side.
However, he was released within a few months. Nonetheless, he joined Bari after some time. Within one season, he signed for Lorca Deportiva, where he spent the next season. In 15 appearances for the Spanish side, he scored once.
Again, he was released in 2018 and after staying without a club for over a year, Vorskla Poltava signed him in 2019. Since then, he has been a mainstay of the side, making 31 appearances to date, assisting once.
The Hammers have started this season rather well and one reason for that has been Moyes’ change in formation. A switch to a 3-4-3 has allowed him more defensive solidity through the middle and freeing up the wing-backs to join the attack. Surprisingly, the likes of Fabian Balbuela, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell have kept Issa Diop out of the side.
Nonetheless, David Moyes remains keen on adding to the defensive ranks and has narrowed down on Ndiaye as a potential option. On the up, he may not seem like the most attractive or world-class option but the way he has played for the Ukranian side makes him a good bet for West Ham to pursue.
Boasting of a staggering, gigantic 6ft 7in frame, Ndiaye could be a huge asset in the Premier League, which is known for its physical nature of play. At 22, he has all the time to improve his game under a meticulous manager like Moyes.
He could slot in well in the three-man backline or feature on a more sporadic basis until he is ready for regular games. This could turn out to be a huge find for West Ham in case he flourishes.