NafisaLeeds United are among three Premier League sides reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Vladimir Coufal, who is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of this season.
Elland Road recruitment leaders are anticipated to prioritise Premier League know-how during what chairman Paraag Marathe has described as the most pivotal summer in decades. Leeds secured their return to the top tier last month and are expected to bolster the squad in all areas.
While significant investment will be required down the core of Farke’s team – with first-team reinforcements likely in goal, central defence, midfield and attack – Leeds are also exploring options to add seasoned players and greater squad depth.
Resources won’t be limitless, so those overseeing recruitment may turn to the free agent pool, with talkSPORT highlighting Coufal as a potential acquisition.
The 32-year-old will become a free agent when the 2024/25 Premier League season concludes later this month, bringing to an end a remarkable five-year stint with the Hammers, after joining from Slavia Prague for just £5.4million in 2020.
A statement published on the club’s official site last week confirmed the Czech international would be one of four senior departures alongside goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, defender Aaron Cresswell and striker Danny Ings.
The statement added: “Czech international defender Coufal, 32, signed in October 2020, has made almost 180 appearances for the Club and was named Hammer of the Year runner-up in his first season… Everyone at West Ham United would like to sincerely thank Aaron, Lukasz, Vladimir and Danny for their dedicated service to the Club. They will depart at the end of the season with our love and appreciation for their contribution during a period that brought memorable success.”
Coufal will retain connections to West Ham after confirmation earlier this week that his son, Niclas, is set to join the club’s academy, and talkSPORT report that he is eager to stay in the UK. Domestic interest is growing, with Leeds and soon-to-be Premier League counterparts Everton ‘monitoring’ the experienced right-back.
Toffees manager David Moyes is familiar with Coufal from their shared time at West Ham, where they lifted the 2023 Europa Conference League, and is keen to add proven experience to his ranks. Leeds, meanwhile, have Jayden Bogle as their main option at right-back, but a more seasoned understudy may be a smart addition.
Sam Byram, who covered both Bogle and left-back Junior Firpo throughout Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign, is out of contract this summer and is expected to move on rather than renew. Isaac Schmidt, meanwhile, has yet to start a league fixture under Farke.
Fulham are also reportedly weighing up a move for Coufal, having had multiple bids knocked back by West Ham in January. Their current first-choice right-back Kenny Tete is likewise nearing the end of his contract, though discussions are ongoing about a potential renewal.
Coufal’s role at West Ham has diminished this term, following the £15m arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United last summer, with the veteran Czech starting just 10 Premier League matches.
However, the defender will depart with cult-hero status at the London Stadium after playing a pivotal role in their 2023 Europa Conference League triumph, racking up 177 appearances across all competitions.
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