What Tomas Soucek is now planning at West Ham United with new contract in final stages

West Ham's Tomas Soucek is nearing an agreement to extend his contract at the London Stadium.

The Czech midfielder has been an invaluable servant for the Hammers over the last six years.

Injuries around the World Cup have meant the Irons have yet to see him in action in the 2026-27 season, but his return is now nearing.

Soucek has been back in training, completing a 65-minute appearance in a friendly over the international break as he begins to build match sharpness.

There have been lingering fears this was the 31-year-old's final season in E20, but he has been in talks to extend his stay.

It has now emerged what Soucek wants his next step at West Ham to be once an agreement has been wrapped up.

When will Tomas Soucek contract agreement be reached at West Ham?

The end of Soucek's time at London Stadium will be postponed, at least according to news emerging over the last few days.

Reports this week said that Soucek and West Ham had entered discussions over a new deal.

Now, it seems those have been positive talks, with The Athletic's Roshane Thomas sharing that the deal is expected to be sorted later this month with negotiations in the "final phase."

However, another interesting snippet from the report has shared that Soucek wants to retire at West Ham.

At 31 years old, the Czech international still has plenty of years left in the tank, so Irons fans could be looking at a long-term deal for the fan favourite.

However, Thomas shares that souces have told him that the length of the deal has not yet been agreed.

What Soucek’s return from injury means for West Ham

While Soucek's contract talk has been the headline over the past few days, more importantly in the short-term, he is now an option for Nuno Espirito Santo again.

Whether or not the Hammers manager throws him straight into the deep end against QPR on Friday remains to be seen.

Mohamadou Kante is not available after his red card against Millwall, leaving the Irons one midfielder light, and in a position they already had few names available for.

Arne Engels, Divine Mukasa and Lewis Orford are all in line to feature, leaving West Ham outcasts Edson Alvarez and Soungoutou Magassa as possible options on the bench.

The Mexican has not featured in a matchday squad since 8 August against Portsmouth, while the latter has been an unused sub in the last two fixtures.

So, the odds are looking good for the Czech to at least come on as a substitute for the East Londoners if a midfield change is needed.