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News
West Ham in talks to reward Vladimir Coufal with improved new contract
According to , West Ham United have opened talks with Vladimir Coufal’s representatives over awarding the Czech Republic right-back a new and improved contract.
Coufal moved to the London Stadium from Slavia Prague in October for just £5.4million () but has proven to be a fixture of head coach David Moyes’ plans since.
Only Tomas Soucek (38), Aaron Cresswell (36) and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (35) Premier League fixtures for the Hammers this season than Coufal, who opened games – only sitting out December’s goalless draw at Southampton.
Coufal further ranked behind only Cresswell (8) at the London Stadium for assists in the top-flight with seven, which was the achieved by any defender across the division and the 16th-most overall.
West Ham are now moving to fend off any potential interest that could emerge in Coufal’s services by awarding the 28-year-old a new and improved contract, despite having two years plus the option of a further 24 months on his current deal.
Coufal earns £30,000-per-week () on the terms penned in October, when signed despite West Ham having reservations about bringing in a player from abroad over the age of 27 after the failures of previous arrivals like Samir Nasri, Carlos Sanchez and Roberto ().
TBR’s view:
West Ham’s concerns have clearly been distanced by the performances Coufal has delivered in claret and blue, with talks underway between the Irons and the defender’s representatives over new terms.
Coufal has certainly left an impression on Moyes since moving to the London Stadium, with the Hammers boss telling in February: “He’s on a different level. He’s a great boy; someone who has no ego, wants to go about the job, wants to train, wants to play and sees every game as a real privilege and pleasure to play in.”
It’s clear that Coufal sees his future in east London, as well, having told last month: “I hope this [challenge for Europe] is a springboard for future success. I hope next season could be even better,” and claimed Moyes “is a great person and everyone here is glad to have him.”
A new contract, then, seems a match made in heaven for a player who has made such an instant impact despite concerns from the club prior to his arrival.