Vladimir Coufal is aiming to secure a move that keeps him in the Premier League following his departure from West Ham United. According to Hammers News, the 32-year-old Czech full-back is weighing up his next steps after five seasons in East London, with his agent currently exploring potential clubs.
Agent Weighs Up Options
Speaking to talkSPORT, Coufal’s agent Stephen Hunt confirmed the defender’s preference to stay in England’s top flight. “I look after Coufal at West Ham at the moment. We are just testing our options with him,” Hunt said. “I put as much effort into a small deal as I do a big deal because I know how important it is.”
Coufal, who turns 33 in August, has ruled out a return to the Czech Republic. In an interview with Czech publication Idnes, he said a move to Spain was also appealing. “It would be ideal to stay in England, that would be the priority,” he said. “But there are other options. I would like Spain, where it’s warm.”
Leeds Among Clubs Showing Interest
Leeds United, fresh off promotion to the Premier League, are one of the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on Coufal. Hammers News reported that Fulham had made an approach for the defender back in January, but West Ham turned it down at the time.
Coufal addressed the failed move: “[West Ham turning down Fulham] was part of football. They told me they wouldn’t let me leave, and I’ve gotten over it.”
Exit Confirmed After Five-Season Spell
West Ham announced at the end of the season that Coufal would depart alongside Aaron Cresswell and Łukasz Fabiański, as new head coach Graham Potter looks to refresh the squad. According to Hammers News, Coufal was informed of the decision shortly before the club’s 2-0 win over Manchester United in April.
In an emotional reflection, Coufal described his exit to Idnes: “I would compare it to not wanting to leave the girl you love and she leaves you. That’s very unpleasant. But I played there for five years and I think at a decent level. I left something there.”
He added that the reaction to his departure took him by surprise. “The reactions were incredible. I didn’t expect that.”
Despite his age, Coufal has no intention of stepping away from top-level football just yet. “I’ll take a vacation and then I’ll slowly prepare for the new season, just like I’m preparing normally,” he said.
