Following the revelation yesterday that Tomáš Souček is among a number of players expected to leave West Ham next season in the event of relegation, Claret & Hugh has this afternoon spoken to a source close to the player who was keen to explain his position.
Souček has been an excellent servant to West Ham since joining from Slavia Prague, and for obvious reasons the source we spoke to preferred to remain anonymous. However, they were keen to reiterate one key message — the Czech midfielder loves the club and would prefer to stay at the London Stadium.
So when we asked what the reality was regarding Souček leaving in the event of relegation, the response came during a lengthy telephone conversation.
Full Souček Camp Response
“If they go down, they’re gonna have to sell players, they’re gonna have to bring some money through the door, and one would think that Tomáš may be one of the players that is sold.
“If they stay up, and I think it’s looking less and less likely if the truth be known, if they stay up, the manager hasn’t shown any interest in extending Tomas’s contract, I’m not sure he’s the usual type of midfielder Nuno likes. His goals have once again kept West Ham alive though.
“Tomáš absolutely loves the club. He really does. He said, you know, he’s only played for a few clubs in his time. But always tells me he could not have chosen a better club than West Ham to go to. He loves the club, loves the supporters, just loves everything about it.
“He wants to help more. But at the moment , obviously, he’s not being allowed to get into the box to be the danger that he is.
“If West Ham get relegated, obviously with Tomáš, he’s only ever played in a top league. He’s never played outside of the top league.
“And I think what you’ve got to do is wait and see. And if the right club comes in for him and it’s an acceptable deal for West Ham, because the bottom line is they’re going to have to sell some players.
“Of course he’d love to stay though.”
Reality May Override Emotion
It’s about as honest and open as you’re likely to get.
Souček wants to stay. That much is clear.
But if West Ham go down, finances, squad reshaping and the simple reality of top-flight football may ultimately decide things.
And that’s the uncomfortable truth facing a lot of players at the London Stadium right now.
Premier League side Millwall might be a move to keep Tomas happy and settled.
Here’s hoping he doesn’t need to leave us to maintain PL football.
If he’s cheap enough and willing to take short contract could go to Everton Moyes loves him.
Assuming we go down Soucek is the obvious captain for next season. If we were to sell him I doubt that he would fetch more than 10-15m. I suspect Nuno would sell him. Personally I would prefer to keep Soucek over Nuno
If, heaven forbid, we do go down, I would keep Soucek and make him captain next season, even though I would live Bowen to stay with us as well.
Tomas certainly has the experience and has shown his leadership qualities for Czechia as well as for us, when he’s on the pitch.
Why would we want Soucek in the box when we have Pablo to bang in the goals, good choice Nuno…..