Tomas Soucek emerged as an unlikely transfer target for Leeds United earlier this summer, and a move to Elland Road may now have some kind of likelihood.
Tomas Soucek is a cult hero at West Ham. The Czech international has been one of the Hammers’ best players and one of their most reliable source of goals since his 2020 move from Slavia Prague, with 41 goals in 245 appearances for the club.
But the 30-year-old faces an uncertain summer. It’s been reported that Graham Potter has told Soucek he’ll be sold this summer, although it was then suggested that Soucek wants to stay at West Ham beyond this summer, with two more years left on his current contract.
Either way, Leeds United have been linked with a move for Soucek, and what would be a shock move for the Hammers hero could soon gather speed, as West Ham and Leeds plot moves to sign Raphael Onyedika at Club Brugge.
Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika playing against RSC Anderlecht.
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
Raphael Onyedika transfer battle could free up Tomas Soucek for Leeds United move
It’s understood that Leeds United and West Ham are looking at Onyedika at Club Brugge. The central midfielder is well-liked by both clubs, and reports in Belgium stated that Onyedika is definitely leaving Club Brugge this summer, with previous suggestions of an approximate £25million valuation of the Nigerian international.
With Potter wanting to overhaul his West Ham side, and with Onyedika looking like a prime target now, it could suggest that the Hammers boss is looking to replace Soucek with Onyedika. And in a real transfer domino, Leeds missing out on Onyedika could turn their attentions to Soucek, in a couple of moves that could work out ideally for everyone.
How much West Ham want for Soucek remains to be seen. They previously paid £19million for his services, and now at 30 years old and with West Ham in need of player sales, the Hammers might simply ask for that amount back, which would certainly align with Leeds United’s £150million transfer budget for this summer.
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Adding more fuel to the speculation that Soucek could leave East London this summer is West Ham insider and transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
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Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey has predicted that Soucek is among those who West Ham will look to sell and raise funds via this summer, with the Czech now expected to leave the club.
Bailey said: “Having spoken to the club, the massive problem with West Ham is there’s financial issues and the club need to sell. They need to get players out. Mohammed Kudus is going to be that main sale. We expect Tomas Soucek to go as well.”
For Leeds, a few other things might need to fall in place first before they can move for Soucek. But if Farke is pipped to Onyedika by West Ham themselves, then the Leeds United boss could in turn ask for Soucek, who would be a very steady signing for the Whites.