West Ham United have signed defender Vladimir Coufal on a three-year deal from Slavia Prague, the club confirmed earlier today.
The Hammers secured the Czech’s signature for around £5 million, with the option to keep the 28-year old at the London Stadium until 2025.
Coufal, a right-back with Champions League experience, is the club’s second signing of the summer, following the permanent arrival of his former Slavia Prague teammate, Tomas Soucek, in July.
West Ham Sign Vladimir Coufal Until 2023
Coufal ‘Happy’ With West Ham Move
Following his transfer, West Ham’s new number five told the club website: “I am happy I am part of the West Ham family. I will do everything so that West Ham will be successful.
“Tomas told me on the best things, that it’s a good stadium with good fans and perfect teammates and staff. Tomas is my very good friend and I hope he will help me here.”
Meanwhile West Ham manager, David Moyes, backed the Czech to play his best football in London.
He said: “He has a lot of attributes and qualities that we believe will enable him to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League
“Vladimir fits the profile of the type of player we want to bring to the football club – hungry, ambitious and determined. He is a proven talent with Champions League and international experience, but we believe his best years are still ahead of him here at West Ham.
“We need to give Vladimir some time to settle in and get used to his new surroundings but having Tomas Soucek here will help him in that sense. We are confident that he will make a positive impact and prove to be a great addition to the squad.”
Czech Second Tier to Premier League
Coufal began his career with Czech second-tier side FC Hlucin before joining Slovan Liberac as a 19-year old.
He spent six seasons with the club, helping them achieve Europa League football on three occasions, before joining Czech giants Slavia Prague.
In two seasons in the capital, Coufal made 60 league appearances – winning two titles – and six Champions League appearances.
Arriving at West Ham fresh from his national team debut, the right-back could make his Premier League bow as early as Sunday with Ryan Fredericks out with a hamstring injury.
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