West Ham United star Tomas Soucek has ‘not looked the same player for some time’ and being unable to agree a new London Stadium contract could be a key reason for his underwhelming start to the season, according to journalist Paul Brown. The Hammers have gone into the international break sitting in the Premier League’s relegation zone thanks to securing just one win so far this term.
Soucek has remained a key component of West Ham’s midfield, having made 10 appearances and registered two goals in all competitions since the campaign got underway last month, but there were doubts over his future during the summer.
The 27-year-old was reportedly told that he is not in line to secure a pay rise and, having put contract talks on hold, Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa showed an interest.
Although a move away from east London failed to come to fruition, Soucek has entered the final two years of his £47,000-per-week agreement.