Vladimir Coufal has emerged on Leeds United’s radar this summer with the West Ham right-back available.
Daniel Farke will need defensive backup at Leeds this summer, with an overhaul set to occur in this department.
Sam Byram could leave, which opens up a slot available for competition with Jayden Bogle in the squad.
This could mean attention turns to Leeds target Vladimir Coufal, since Coufal will be released from West Ham.
However, after recent developments, the Whites need to stay well away in a real warning to Farke and the 49ers.
Photo by Davor Javorovic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Davor Javorovic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images
Leeds United should think twice about Vladimir Coufal after ‘huge problems’
It seems like Bogle is irreplaceable in Leeds’ current set-up, and it’s clear to see why with the defender arguably being the signing of the season.
But the Premier League is a cruel mistress and can bring the worst out of players, meaning the Whites could lean on Coufal for his experience.
The 32-year-old has a strong five-year tenure with the Hammers but will now seek a new challenge.
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Leeds fans want Coufal, but after a recent display for his national side Czech Republic, they might want to think otherwise.
Czech outlet iSport have weighed in on how the defender performed in the Czech side’s embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Croatia on Monday, and it doesn’t read well.
“Croatia quickly understood the best way to get through the Czech defence was through the right side. Together with Cerny, Coufal had huge problems in the first half; they were visibly arguing. He had a hard time keeping up with the agile Croatians,” the outlet said.
“Coufal – 2/10.”
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Coufal’s performance gives Farke the answer he needs at Leeds
Even though the international stage is different from that of the English top flight, it’s still a concerning sign.
Other Leeds target Tomas Soucek also featured, and it wasn’t a good day for the two West Ham boys, whom the 49ers could secure this window.
But it was Coufal who was targeted constantly as mentioned, and the right-back had a nightmare against the likes of Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.
Coufal in Croatia 5-1 Czech Republic
Minutes played 90
Crossing accuracy % 0% (0/5)
Tackles won % 0%
Duels won 1/5
Dribbled past 1
Soucek wants to join Coufal, whether that’s at Leeds or not, but if performances continue like this, it should not be the way forward.
The hope is that it’s a one-off, but for a player of his experience and age to be ‘visibly arguing’ it doesn’t look good.