West Ham are being reported as being “willing to listen to offers” for the Czech international, Tomas Soucek as he has “suffered an underwhelming season with the Hammers”.
It is claimed that “talks between the player’s representatives and the club over a new contract have not progressed” recently, further suggesting that his time is up according to a bizarre report from Football Insider.
There is the option of triggering the clause to extend the midfielder’s contract by another 12 months, which the club are “considering” doing, in order to “protect his value”.
In truth, now feels like the right time for West Ham and the £67k per week Soucek to part ways, with the Czech Republic international simply not the force he once was.
I don`t think that Moyes has helped in this, by playing him in a deeper role than he is used to and thus giving him fewer opportunities for his forays into the penalty box – remember he scored 10 goals in the 2021 season.
Granted, he is still only 28, but giving him a new deal will take him into his 30s and sadly there are few signs that suggest he will suddenly find a new lease of life.
Soucek has been a good and popular player for the club – Declan Rice once called him “unbelievable” – but if West Ham can sign a player with more mobility and versatility, it may benefit us more in the long run.
I think he is a Moyes type player but for me he is not the way forward. I would not be inclined to offer him a 3 year contract or any contract extension as I just feel we need to move in a different direction and a different style if play. I would assume that no decision will be made until a new manager is in place but if a bid comes in l I would think we will seriously consider it.