West Ham news: Pundit ‘wowed’ by Tomas Soucek after source’s talks update
Tomas Soucek is “definitely” deserving of a bumper new West Ham contract, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the “tremendous” 26-year-old can “do everything” in midfield.
This site revealed on Friday (11 February) that West Ham are set to open talks with Soucek over a new and improved contract.
A Hammers source has told Football Insider that the club want to tie the midfielder down in order to fend off interest from rival Premier League and European clubs.
Soucek’s current deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Whelan suggested the midfielder’s current contract predicament may have set a number of rival teams on high alert.
“What a find he has been – wow,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s one of these players who has been so consistent for West Ham. He’s been brilliant defensively, but he’s also such a danger in that 18-yard box.
“He can do everything. He’s got aerial ability, aggression, one-v-one defending – he’s tremendous, and so is that goal return.
“A lot of teams have probably sat up and taken notice of him with just two years left, so West Ham have moved to tie him down. If anyone deserves a new deal, it’s definitely Soucek.”
The Irons signed the Czech Republic international in 2020 on an initial loan from Slavia Prague, which turned into a permanent switch for a reported fee of £16.9million.
Soucek has netted 16 goals in 86 appearances since arriving at the London Stadium.
In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals “forward-thinking” David Sullivan move could earn West Ham £20million+.