Trying to figure out the future of West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has been a little tricky over the past couple of days.
Yesterday began with a rumour suggesting the Czech star had been informed by the Hammers that he could pack his bags and find another club.
That false revelation was quickly rubbished when a source very close to Soucek spoke to Claret & Hugh. It was then the turn of a source at the very top of West Ham to confirm that Big Sou was well down the list of players the club were looking to offload in a summer reshuffle.
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However, there were two people we didn’t hear from yesterday… the player himself, and manager Graham Potter. Both have now spoken to reporters.
First, the Irons gaffer was asked directly about Soucek, and he had nothing but praise for the man who has scored nine goals for the Hammers this season:
“He’s been a fantastic signing for the Club, first and foremost, for what he’s delivered over a considerable period of time.
He’s brilliant in the boxes, he helps defensively, he’s strong at set-pieces and then he chips in with vital goals, as well. He’s someone who goes about his work in a quiet way, but he always gives 100 per cent. He’s been fantastic to work with.”
Next up was Soucek himself, whose representatives have maintained all along that he has no desire to leave the London Stadium. And when he spoke today, the 30-year-old didn’t sound like a player expecting to leave East London any time soon:
“The character, the passion of the team beats individual quality, and if we put individual quality and spirit together, we can be a really good team.”
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However, before anyone gets too sure that he’ll remain a Hammer, it’s important to remember that former boss David Moyes will try everything to take him to Everton.
The Toffees have reportedly already indirectly approached the player’s representatives and offered £30k per week more than West Ham currently pay him—and they’re preparing a transfer bid.
So, while the club are not actively looking to sell Soucek, a move to Everton—and to a lesser extent Leeds United—should not be ruled out.