TEAMtalk knows that West Ham have given Tomas Soucek a new long-term contract and are about to make an announcement about it.
Since joining on loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020, the big Czech midfielder has proven to be an excellent signing by David Moyes. Soucek joined the Hammers on a permanent £19 million contract that summer and has gone on to make 158 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals.
Last season, his connection with Declan Rice helped the Hammers win the UEFA Conference League, his first trophy since winning the Czech Cup with Slavia Prague in 2019.
Such has been the form of the 6ft 4in star that he has attracted attention from the likes of Bayern Munich in the past.
His existing deal was due to expire at the end of the season, though the Irons did hold a one-year option on that to effectively give them until 2025.
However, we understand the club has now handed him a new four-year contract, keeping the 28-year-old at the London Stadium until summer 2027. The deal will be announced in the coming days.
Soucek’s new contract came about after an intervention from shareholder Daniel Kretinsky, who was determined to guarantee his countryman is rewarded for his excellent form and to ward off the prospect of him departing.
Soucek, who has 60 caps for Czech Republic, is regarded as a key figure in the club’s future ambitions by Kretinsky, the club’s second-largest shareholder with a 27% stake. As a result, the Czech billionaire has led the charge to give him the new contract.
Souceck is set to return to West Ham following a head injury.
Soucek recently suffered a head injury against Brighton, forcing him to miss the 2-1 victory over Luton Town just before the international break.
However, the defensive midfielder will be available for selection again following the international break, as he looks to assist the club maintain its strong start to the Premier League season.
The midfielder told Czech news site Idnes that his injury is now behind him.
“I’ve had enough of those head injuries, but this was the worst,” said the 28-year-old. “The treatment is going well, I’m in good shape, and I’m looking forward to the game.” I had to observe the English FA’s [concussion rules].
“I trained alone first, then with the players, but without any contact.” And after I arrived in Prague for the meeting, I was able to do everything completely. “It turned out perfectly.”
