A clutch of Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing free agent Vladimír Coufal, following his departure from West Ham United. The 32-year-old left the London Stadium at the expiration of his contract but appears to have plenty of admirers in his search for a new club.
According to Pete O’Rourke, a trio of top-flight sides are keen on acquiring the Czech international’s services this summer.
Coufal Departs West Ham
Coufal has applied his trade in London’s East End for five years, after arriving in the Premier League from his native Czechia. In that time, the right-back has made 147 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, becoming a fixture on the right side of their defence.
As he leaves, he undoubtedly takes with him a wealth of Premier League and international experience. He will always be remembered by West Ham fans for being a member of their famous UEFA Conference League winning side in 2023.
With Coufal’s fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell also leaving, Graham Potter will be determined to strengthen in the wide areas this summer. The interest that is beginning to gather around the Czech suggests that a Premier League stay is on the cards.
Three Premier League Clubs Keeping Tabs on Coufal
Defenders that are capped 55 times by their country don’t come around all that often as free transfers, so the interest in Coufal isn’t that surprising. According to Pete O’Rourke, Everton, Fulham, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all eager to add him to their ranks ahead of the new season.
Everton are on the hunt for defensive additions as they prepare to kick off at their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium. With Ashley Young leaving the toffees, they have been left short in that particular area. A potential like-for-like replacement on a free transfer is likely to tempt the Merseyside outfit.
Wolves could be keeping tabs on potential options, especially with the club still unable to agree a deal to keep Nelson Semedo at Molineux. Vitor Pereira’s team ended the season as one of the division’s form sides, therefore will be looking to start strongly next term.
Fulham’s pursuit of Coufal could depend on the outcome of Kenny Tete’s new contract offer. While the Dutchman’s future remains up in the air, the Cottagers are likely to be scouting out possible replacements.
Promoted Clubs Also Monitoring the Situation
The promoted contingent of Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are all reportedly keeping tabs on Coufal. Attracting proven Premier League quality and experience has never been more crucial, especially for those coming up from the Championship.
The chasm between the two divisions appears to be ever-widening, proven by the relegation of all three promoted clubs for the past two campaigns. Strengthening the backline is presumably a major priority in the transfer plans of all three this time around.
Scott Parker’s Burnley produced one of the great defensive performances throughout the 2024/25 season. Although CJ Egan Riley has moved on, Parker is likely to adopt a similar approach in the top-flight and may be keen on bringing in some added know-how.
Sunderland’s young squad could majorly benefit from playing alongside a player with the experience of Coufal. Régis Le Bris will be challenged to strike the combination between youth and experience when the Black Cats stage their return in August.
With plenty of suitors emerging, Vladimír Coufal’s next home is a point of genuine intrigue as the new season draws closer.