By Anthony Onifade

26th Jan, 2023 | 12:49pm

West Ham in no immediate rush to hold further contract discussions with Tomas Soucek

West Ham are in no immediate rush to enter into further contract discussions with Tomas Soucek, following his dramatic drop in form so far this campaign, according to The Athletic.

The Czech Republic international’s form has dramatically declined over the past 18 months after a superb start to life at the London Stadium upon his £19m move from Slavia Prague in 2020.

Following his terrific form last season, the Hammers entered into negotiations to extend his deal for a further four years. A year on, his form has taken a dramatic nose dive, coupled with his side’s struggles this season.

After hitting 10 goals in 38 outings during the 2020/21 campaign, he’s only hit one goal in 18 this season highlighting a dramatic drop in performance levels and influence.

And according to journalist Roshane Thomas, writing for The Athletic [26 January], revealed that the club have held back on talks with the midfielder as a result.

He wrote: “Last January, West Ham opened talks with his representatives over a new four-year contract.

“Soucek, whose current deal expires after next season, although there is an option to extend for a further year, was seen as a key player at that juncture but as his form tailed off, negotiations hit an impasse and today there isn’t an immediate rush to hold further discussions.”

Correct decision

There have been various factors causing West Ham’s dreadful Premier League form this season.

Injuries, under-performance and lack of consistency have contributed to the club’s demise after last season’s success both domestically and on the European front.

One of the factors leading to their demise so far this campaign has indeed been the poor form of the Czech Republic international.

The midfielder hit an impressive 10 goals in his first full campaign, but since then has gone on to register six goals from nearly two campaigns which certainly shows a drop in performance levels.

New contracts should only be given to players who have warranted it over a period of time, and that man certainly isn’t Soucek. So far this campaign, the player has looked lost and out of touch with his teammates throughout the campaign, something the Hammers faithful and Moyes will greatly be concerned by.

There is a lot of room for improvement from the 27-year-old, so the question is whether he is motivated enough to turn his form around.