Tomas Soucek is poised to present Graham Potter with a summer dilemma. The Czech Republic international, who has two years remaining on his current deal, has had his head turned by the potential offer of a more lucrative four year contract at Everton.
While the Merseyside club has yet to formally approach West Ham with a bid, the Hammers are believed to be open to offers for most of their squad – with the exceptions of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jarrod Bowen.
Although Soucek has not submitted a transfer request and appears content in East London, the Everton proposal would take him to 34 years of age on improved terms.
Soucek was named Czech Footballer of the Year for the fourth time in March, equalling Pavel Nedveds record and trailing only Petr Cech’s nine awards.
Now aged 30, the combative midfielder has score nine goals this season, and remains a valuable asset to West Ham, especially as the club looks to strike a balance between youth and experience.
However, with PSR concerns looming and an estimated £60m – £80m short fall, David Moyes will be keen to test West Ham’s resolve and sources suggest an offer is imminent.
Tomas is the man. His effectiveness and contribution depends very much on those around him on the field. He was fantastic on his arrival and only dipped in perceived performance as we allowed Declan Rice to progress and do what he does best. That dip has now passed and with supporting players around him, Tomas will be brilliant for us for a few more seasons yet.
He is, of course, happy with his salary and life at West Ham. Also, of course, he won’t decline an increase in wages. He might miss the daily contact with Vlad Coufal but they will still speak.
Let us hope that he takes on the Cresswell loyal service longevity mantle.
COYI
Everybody is saying “Please Keep Thom” but they also say “He’s not the silkiest, smooth midfielder out there!” Can you see that is the catch! If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Nobody denies Soucek has been an admirable servant to the club. Yet our midfield is slow and cumbersome, and we are constantly bossed and outrun. So if Everton offer 30 million for Tomas take it. That money can goto a truly quick fast runner. We may never get another Declan Rice (they come once every blue moon) but at least we should try!
It does depend a bit on the kind of midfielders WHU bring in, whether he could be a squad player or be replaced. I keep assuming they will need a core group of experienced players to remain, because a rebuild is not possible over one Summer, but would require 1-3 seasons in my opinion. He’d be one I would keep then review in a season’s time. I personally think WHU will only have the ability (due to league position) & funds to attract a few good players, so cannot and should not get rid of everybody (as need blend of young/experience).
hope he stays, not many players like him who combine his abilities as hammeroo mentions. He’ll steady the ship too when youngsters might be feeling the pressure in dicy circumstances.
If he stays, then I propose he be a future head scout for whu in the Czech Republic and elsewhere in the region. It will combine his enthusiasm for whu and football, with his love for his homeland.
Must keep Tomas! His goals are super valuable, his defensive set piece jumping is great. Ok he does not have the Ward-Prowse 93% passing accuracy, but then he doesn’t make 5 yard aside/ back passes either! As midfield effectiveness, a no brainer.
Just keep him and give him a new deal. It’s a no brainer.
Tomas The Tank Engine must stay! Ok, so he’s not a silky midfielder and he’s not fast but he’s reliable, scores goals and defends well. He loves the club and plays for the badge with real courage. If we let him go we could well live to regret it.
100% agree Tomas is a wonderful example of what a West Ham player should be, committed, brave, plays from the heart and always gives his best. Scores valuable goals and while not technically one of our better players over time has shown how much heart and desire can overcome lack of ball skills.