West Ham’s summer transfer window was anything but quiet.
Long-serving stalwarts like Vladimír Coufal and Aaron Cresswell moved on, Nayef Aguerd headed for Marseille, and talisman Mohamed Kudus made the controversial switch across London to Spurs. To top it off, Michail Antonio — the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer — departed on a free after his car crash.
On top of that, the Hammers came perilously close to losing Crysencio Summerville, with Nottingham Forest circling before the winger pledged his loyalty to the London Stadium.
And now, it’s emerged that another of West Ham’s most important players also had a big decision to make this summer — and, thankfully, he chose the claret and blue.
Souček Rejected Everton
West Ham United's Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio. (REUTERS/Tony Obrien)
West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio. (REUTERS/Tony O’Brien)
During the international break, Tomas Souček revealed to Czech outlet Ceske Noviny that he turned down a chance to reunite with former Hammers boss David Moyes at Everton.
The midfielder has been a cornerstone of the West Ham side since arriving from Slavia Prague in 2019. In that time, he’s racked up 249 appearances, bagged 42 goals, and provided 13 assists.
Known for his late runs into the box and knack for scoring in high-pressure moments, Souček has earned praise from teammates, managers, and pundits alike.
“He’s one of those players who turns up in big moments,” ex-Hammer Joe Cole once said. “When you’re going out for a big game of football and the chips are going to be down, you can rely on him for all the important moments.”
Moyes, who brought Souček to West Ham in January 2020, was reportedly keen on bringing him to Everton this summer. But the Czech international made it clear he feels settled and valued at the London Stadium.
“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,” Souček explained. “So I look forward to further co-operation at West Ham.”
For Hammers fans, it’s a huge relief. In a summer defined by high-profile exits, keeping Souček might be one of West Ham’s most important victories.