West Ham United are set to allow Tomas Soucek to leave the club this summer, according to sources close to the team. The 30-year-old Czech Republic international is not part of manager Graham Potter’s plans for the future, and the club are expected to accept offers for him.
Mick Brown, a former scout for West Ham and other top-tier clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Soucek’s sale will be used to fund a replacement who better suits Potter’s system and style of play. Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment, believes Soucek’s influence out of possession is a concern, despite his aerial presence and physical threat.
According to Football Insider, West Ham could accept £10million bids for Soucek amid growing interest from clubs such as Leeds United. Brown also suggested that former West Ham manager David Moyes could bring Soucek to Everton, with whom he has maintained a strong relationship.
Potter is reportedly looking to reduce the average age of his squad and bring in players who are comfortable in possession and can keep the play moving. Soucek, while having done a good job for West Ham in the past, is not considered suitable for Potter’s style of play. Brown told Football Insider: “Soucek has done well for West Ham in different ways. But he’s a player who the game can bypass for long periods of time. Sometimes you can forget he’s on the pitch, then a corner or free kick comes in and he gets on the end of it because that’s what he does. But the game itself between the two boxes, he very rarely contributes to it.”
The news comes as West Ham prepare for a busy summer transfer window. Football Insider revealed on 27 April that Everton and Leeds will race to sign Soucek, while Potter plans to reduce the average age of his squad. Brown insisted that West Ham will move to sign a replacement if Soucek is allowed to leave the club.
In addition to Soucek’s potential departure, there is also speculation surrounding the future of Mohammed Kudus. Brown told Football Insider on 20 May that West Ham will listen to offers for Kudus as Potter is prepared to move on without the 24-year-old. With clubs unlikely to pay his £80million release clause, Brown believes West Ham will accept offers for Kudus below his release clause value.
As the summer transfer window heats up, West Ham fans will be keeping a close eye on developments at the London Stadium. With Potter looking to mould his team in his image, it remains to be seen which players will stay and which will go. One thing is certain, however: West Ham are set for a significant overhaul, and Soucek’s potential departure is just the beginning.
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