‘I said no’ - West Ham colossus reveals he rejected chance to leave club for Premier League rivalplaceholder image
‘I said no’ - West Ham colossus reveals he rejected chance to leave club for Premier League rival | Getty Images
One West Ham player has revealed his determination to continue for the club
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has revealed he rejected the chance to leave the club during the summer transfer window amid serious interest from Premier League rivals Everton.
However, Soucek has revealed both he and the club said no to the possibility of him leaving the Hammers - and his comments appear to be a vote of confidence for Graham Potter. Soucek wanted to remain at West Ham as he foresaw stability at the club moving forward.
The former Chelsea and Brighton boss started the campaign under some serious pressure after a 3-0 loss to Sunderland and 5-1 home defeat against Chelsea to start the campaign. They also lost 3-2 to Wolves in the EFL Cup second round. However, a 3-0 win at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest has given Potter some breathing space.
What Tomas Soucek said about summer interest
Speaking to Czech outlet Ceske Noviny during the international break, the 30-year-old explained why he did not follow Moyes to Merseyside. Soucek said: "There was interest. It was also in the media, it was also felt at the club. But West Ham and I said no, because I feel the strength of West Ham and I feel a stable position there that is recognized. So I look forward to further co-operation at West Ham.
"Transfers are part of football. Whoever transferred, I already congratulated him in the locker room and now I congratulate him publicly. It's just a plus for the player, a great motivation that there is interest in him.”
Soucek joined West Ham in the summer of 2020 and is under contract for another two years. The 6ft 3in colossus has made 249 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 42 goals and providing 13 assists. 13 of his goals for the Hammers have been scored with his head.
Wes Foderingham departs
In other news, West Ham have sold Wes Foderingham to Cypriot First Division side Aris Limassol.
A club statement released on Tuesday said: “The former England youth international departs having served as an important member of the Hammers squad since his arrival in June 2024, featuring in several matchday squads and supporting his fellow goalkeepers behind the scenes.
“Foderingham was also named the Club’s PFA Community Champion for 2024/25 in May, recognising his commitment to off-field endeavours.
“He will now continue his career in a new country with Aris, who finished second in the league last term and are currently top of the table after two wins out of two in 2025/26.
“Everyone at the Club would like to thank Wes for his contribution and wish him every success for the future.”
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