Central midfielder Tomas Soucek has completed his medical in the UK and agreed to personal terms to become David Moyes’s second signing of the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old is on his way to the London Stadium on Tuesday night to sign his contract and complete a photo shoot and video before being unveiled officially as a Hammer in the next 24 hours.
The official confirmation should come on Wednesday with the player reported initially signing on loan with a large loan fee with an option to buy taking the total amount to around 20 million Euros.
Soucek has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for Slavia this season.
“He fits the profile of the player I want” Moyes told reporters today at Rush Green when asked about Soucek.
“At the moment he [Soucek] ticks a lot of boxes. We need to give him an opportunity and time to settle in.”
‘I said I want to bring young players but we also need experience too and I think at the moment, he helps with both of those.
‘He’s captain of Slavia Prague, he’s played defensive midfield but scored a lot of goals as an attacking midfielder too.
‘We needed a bit of it all, some cover, another midfield player, obviously goals, so at the moment he ticks a lot of boxes.’
Long-winded and last minute.com as usual, but let’s hope there’s at least another three to follow.
I hope the other additions can have an impact and dig us out of this hole similar to Kitson and Hartson.
Welcome Tomas. You are very much needed. Do you know a right back, a left back or a striker, by the way?
I don’t know too much about him to be honest, but it is nice to see that we are buying younger players that we can mold into quality player over time (hopefully). I like the fact that he seems to be quite complete, and as a captain, I assume he is responsible and a fighter. Hopefully he can run up the pitch a bit and support our attack also, he seems to be a decent header.
The only thing that worries me is that he does not look like he is super pacy, but if he is playing more as a holding/ball winning midfielder, maybe it is ok. What do you think, is this a good or a bad signing?
@Ronny Honestly your words are pretty much right. Slavia really is an athletic team but Soucek moves a little bit less than the rest of the players. I’m a little worried that he scores league goals mostly because Czech league isn’t of a big quality. Yet he scored few goals in UCL and EL. Good point is that he’s fighting for a team like a beast and knows how to motivate. Few smart passes some defensive work and maybe a header from a corner – that is his style. I think it’s not a bad loan with option for WH.
The scouting report said he had good speed and reads the play. Of course, we have been fooled before.
Is he available for tomorrow if so drop the Noble and play him alongside Rice
No
Amen, but need more quality PL standard signings before transfer window!
Good. Now for a striker! One who actually scores goals would be nice.
Sadly very underwhelmed by this signing…. Especially when the likes of Sheffield United are in talks over Sander Berge… Who is going to be a major star…. We desperately need a box to box powerhouse and Thomas Soucek is certainly not the energetic all action midfielder we need… Underwhelming signing for a team obviously planning for relegation… Very dissapointed
Are you for real Barrie, what idiotic comments.
Can he play tomorrow ?
No
Welcome aboard Tomas .
Hopefully you can hit the ground running .
Berge also would be nice then sell Wilshire and Sanchez and Reid ajeti and start getting in quality players fit young and pacey .
Isn’t it a bit early to write of Ajeti … only 22 and only been here 6 months and few chances….
Realistically he should be playing/learning in the U-23s
Hi
Is this 100% ?
If so its a tremendous signing. Obviously if he can score goals he is like a box to box mid player with a 90 min engine. Can,t wait to see him in there with Rice.
Let us give him a chance and get behind him – maybe he can be a legend like his namesake and countryman Tomas Repka (but with fewer red cards)
Dreams … Tomas heads the winner vs Brighton
Never believe it until it’s on the OS
We only need another 9.
That is all I ask they are trying.
Not sure why some negative feedback, looks very solid, likes a tackle, good passer, can play DM which is where as a relegation candidate we need to strengthen, he is captain of a CL team so presumably has good character.
Very excited to see what he can do COYI!!
Spot on.
There is negative feedback because some of our fans are just never happy unless they are moaning. This guy has all the attributes we are looking for. I’m not saying he’s the saviour but for Gods sake give him a chance before slagging him off. Unbelievable.
I agree mate.
Any player we get can boost our relegation chances and he does tick the boxes.
Lets hope he doesnt need too many games to settle into the Premier leagues pace.
I saw videos of him and them games are wide open. He has scope for improvement and can learn from Declan and Noble regarding whats required at Premier league level.
Doom Gloom Doom Gloom Doom Gloom.
Trust so many hammers fan to make lemons out of lemonade.
Will he be a star? Who knows, but he has many of the attributes that we need. They’re spending 20 million in the right place but still not happy. Yes, theres more to do but this is a positive move.