West Ham United head coach Graham Potter has stopped short of making a final call on whether to cash in on Tomas Soucek after the London Stadium fan favourite has been gaining interest ahead of the transfer window reopening for business in the coming weeks, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Hammers were not afraid to splash the cash last summer, with Max Kilman proving to be the major expensive acquisition thanks to completing a £40million switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have spent the majority of the campaign just above the relegation zone and also sacked Julen Lopetegui due to underwhelming results.
Potter is looking to make his mark when overseeing preparations for his first full campaign at the helm and, as a result, has been working closely with head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay - who was appointed in January - to pinpoint targets and members of the squad he is willing to offload.
Hammers Keeping Options Open Over Soucek
Czech Republic international could still be sold during summer
Tomas Soucek in action for West Ham United
West Ham are undecided over Soucek's future at this stage, according to GMS sources, but the possibility of him being given the green-light to embark on a fresh challenge has not been ruled out after the likes of Everton have been showing interest in acquiring his services in the summer.
There have been suggestions that Leeds United have joined the Toffees in circling for the central midfielder following their promotion to the Premier League, resulting in it becoming clear that he would have various potential landing spots if he discovers he is surplus to requirements in his current surroundings.
GMS sources have been informed that Potter values Soucek's experience and, having seen him get his name on the scoresheet during West Ham's victory over Manchester United last weekend, believes his presence brings an identity to his side as he prepares to oversee a major overhaul of his squad when the transfer window reopens.
Tomas Soucek's statistics for West Ham United vs Manchester United
But the Czech Republic international is preparing to enter the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket £90,000-per-week, resulting in Everton and Leeds sniffing a potential opportunity to test the Hammers' resolve as they go in search of bolstering their respective options in the middle of the park.
West Ham are stopping short of shutting down suggestions that Soucek could be allowed to head through the exit door ahead of next season, but GMS sources have learned that Potter and other influential figures have refrained from making a concrete decision as they continue weighing up how to reinvigorate the side.
Soucek's Departure Would Make a Big Impact
Central midfielder has made himself important member of squad
Tomas Soucek in action for West Ham United
GMS sources have been told by people close to the situation that Soucek is such an important member of the squad that his departure would have a big impact at West Ham, but it is not impossible that he will be sold if a suitable proposal and opportunity arises in the coming months.
The 30-year-old, who has been described as a Hammers 'legend' thanks to his impact since arriving from Slavia Prague on an initial loan in January 2020, played a crucial role in the east Londoners ending their wait for major silverware as he was heavily involved in clinching the Europa Conference League trophy in 2023.
Everton boss David Moyes has a firm interest in reuniting with Soucek as his side prepare to enter a new era away from Goodison Park, GMS sources understand, and the ongoing admiration has fuelled speculation over whether he could be given the go-ahead to walk away from West Ham.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Toffees' Scottish tactician is particularly keen to land the former Viktoria Zizkov man due to his battling traits and warrior mentality, resulting in it becoming increasingly likely that he will be the subject of a formal offer from Merseyside during the summer transfer window.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/05/2025
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