Pundit: West Ham United have ‘no chance’ of recouping £19m for Tomas Soucek
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham United have “no chance” of recouping the £19m they spent on Tomas Soucek this summer should they choose to sell him, says Frank McAvennie.
The Hammers splashed the cash on the Czech midfielder after an impressive loan spell but he is now entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer, and his form has seen him drop out of the side.
But while fans are likely to be hoping to cash in on Soucek and bring in a quality replacement to replenish the midfield, West Ham will have to look at taking a loss should they opt to sell him because he’s “been all over the place” this season.
“Not a chance they recoup that, they might get half that,” he told West Ham Zone.
“He’s a Premier League player so people know who he is, but they’re not getting £16m for him. No chance. I might be wrong, but I wouldn’t think so.
“He’s been all over the place. He’s just too slow, that split second too slow. His timing is out.“
Soucek was linked with a big money move away from the London Stadium last summer after the club backed out of contract talks with the player, but nothing actually materialised.
As he now will have just 12 months remaining on his deal that price will likely drop, and with his age plus recent performances being a factor, getting £8-10m might be the best that the board can hope for in this situation.
If an offer of that value does come in though, it wouldn’t necessarily be bad business and if we can then replace him with some youth and quality then it would be good all round for the club.