West Ham United could be set to finally bring to end Vladimir Coufal’s career at the club…
What’s the latest?
Having been linked with a move away from the London Stadium for some time, the Czech Republic international could have his future decided for him, as the Hammers are reportedly moving in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The out-of-favour Manchester United right-back seems likely to leave Old Trafford in upcoming transfer windows, with journalist Ryan Taylor expecting David Moyes to make a move for the 25-year-old.
When asked whether the Irons will look to sign him amid recent transfer links, Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “Yes I would, I think that’s a very realistic transfer and that is highly probable.
“I think with Wan-Bissaka, it’s clear that he’s he’s appreciated by West Ham because they tried to get him on loan in August, so I think that’s one that has legs to it and there could be movement.”
Ditch Coufal
Despite an impressive debut season at the London Stadium in 2020/21, Coufal’s performances metrics have steadily declined since then.
He recorded ten assists during that campaign, which dropped to five in the subsequent season, while he is yet to score or set up a goal in 17 games so far this term.
To have seen his offensive output diminish is especially unfortunate, as his defensive work is insufficient for it to be his main upside.
This season, the £35k-per-week stalwart has recorded 1.6 tackles per game and 1.7 interceptions, with the former figure dwarfed when compared to the solidity of the former Crystal Palace star, who won 2.5 tackles per match last season.
It is a testament to Wan-Bissaka’s ability that team-mate Luke Shaw hailed him as “the best one-v-one defender in the world”, also stating: “No-one can get past him, he’s really improved that side of his game and his attacking side too.”
This is backed up in the 25-year-old’s 2020/21 campaign, the last in which he was an undisputed regular. He was handed a 7.14 rating by Sofascore for his displays as he averaged 1.8 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.8 clearances per match.
His 57% dribble success rate and match average of 0.9 key passes also made him something of a threat when bombing forward, and at 25 years of age he still has scope to improve.
Swapping Coufal for Wan-Bissaka would provide West Hamw ith a wealth of added defensive steel, and a work in progress going forward that Moyes could surely nurture in his image.