Moyes Reunion Rejected As West Ham Hold Firm On Midfielder | OneFootball

West Ham Reject Everton Approach for Tomas Soucek

Everton’s search for midfield reinforcements has hit a stumbling block after West Ham United rejected an inquiry for Tomas Soucek, according to The Times. The Czech international, who became a trusted figure under David Moyes, was the subject of interest as the Toffees looked to reunite him with their former manager.

Moyes Link and Soucek’s Importance

Soucek enjoyed four years under Moyes in east London, initially arriving on loan from Slavia Prague before completing a £19.1 million move in July 2020. As The Times highlighted: “Soucek, who has two years remaining on his deal, scored nine of West Ham’s 46 league goals last season.”

That return underlines why West Ham were unwilling to part ways. Despite Graham Potter reportedly being open to selling earlier this summer, West Ham’s failure to secure new midfield additions has forced a rethink.

Potter Under Pressure

Potter is under increasing scrutiny following two opening league defeats, where his side conceded eight goals. The potential departure of Lucas Paquetá, who has drawn interest from unnamed clubs, further complicates the situation. The Times added: “With a week left of the transfer window, it would be a big decision to sell the 27-year-old midfielder without adequate arrivals.”

Transfer Targets and Market Frustrations

West Ham’s transfer efforts have so far been met with resistance. Bids for Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa (£14 million) and Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes (£30 million) were rejected, while Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney also remains on their radar. Meanwhile, Guido Rodríguez looks set to depart for Espanyol just a year after arriving in London.

Soucek’s value to the squad, both tactically and in terms of goals, makes his exit a risk Potter cannot afford. Everton’s attempt may have failed, but it highlights the club’s determination to bolster their midfield before the window shuts.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Everton fan’s perspective, this development will come as little surprise yet plenty of frustration. The prospect of reuniting Tomas Soucek with David Moyes felt like a natural fit. Moyes trusted him as a key midfield figure at West Ham, and his physicality, aerial threat, and knack for scoring from deep would have been invaluable at Goodison Park.

Some Evertonians might also see this as another example of the club failing to act early in the window. Waiting until late August to push for high-profile reinforcements inevitably leaves them vulnerable to refusals.

Ultimately, supporters will be looking for alternatives that can bring a similar blend of energy, height, and end product. The club’s recruitment team must move quickly; otherwise, what began as a smart link with Moyes’s trusted former lieutenant risks becoming yet another tale of what might have been.