An agent has posted a picture of him meeting up with a West Ham star in London amid speculation over his future.
Now that West Ham have confirmed David Moyes is leaving, fans should buckle up for new levels of speculation.
Julen Lopetegui has been all but confirmed as West Ham’s replacement.
The Spaniard – alongside Tim Steidten – has a major rebuild on his hands.
West Ham have the joint smallest squad in the Premier League, three players short at 22.
It is also the second oldest.
And six of the current 22 are set to leave on free transfers this summer.
Right-back Vladimir Coufal will not be one of those on a “Bosman”, though, despite confusion over his contract situation.
That confusion has not been helped by West Ham’s bizarre secrecy around contracts.
Coufal not happy with West Ham contract situation
In January The Sun carried quotes from Coufal’s agent claiming the right-back was furious after West Ham took up a one-year extension option in his contract to maintain his current salary.
The agent claimed Coufal feels he deserves better.
Transfermarkt still lists Coufal’s contract as expiring this summer.
But our information is that he has indeed been signed up to the extended deal meaning his contract runs until 2025.
Coufal has showed his age at times this season and many fans feel the club must sign a young, pacy, modern full-back this summer.
Back in March Caught Offside stated Coufal could leave the club this summer due to his dissatisfaction over the auto-renewal.
That was before the Hammers decided to part ways with Moyes, the manager who signed him.
Amid the speculation surrounding the club’s Czech warrior, the Hammers have been linked with a host of right-backs including Raoul Bellanova.
Agent meets with Coufal amid speculation over his future
Now Coufal’s agent has posted a picture meeting with the West Ham star in London amid speculation over his future.
Karol Kisel is the CEO of Coufal’s agency K2K Sports.
He has posted pictures with his fellow Czech Coufal in London on X, saying: “Premier League in London with our Hammers legend Vladimir Coufal.”
There is nothing to suggest Coufal was meeting with Kisel to discuss his future.
But the timing is very interesting indeed.
It comes the day after West Ham officially announced Moyes is leaving with reports that Lopetegui will be coming in.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a big claim made by West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas just over a month ago.
Thomas said the defender, who turns 32 in August, remains unhappy with his situation and may look to move this summer.
“He was annoyed at not being offered improved terms — which he felt he deserved,” Thomas said.
“Then this month, the club did propose a two-year extension that included a pay rise but they have so far failed to reach an agreement with his representative.
“The right-back, who had interest from an unnamed Premier League club during the recent winter transfer window, intends to reassess his long-term future in the summer.”
Hammers need new right-back regardless
The Hammers already need a new young, modern right-back in the summer to share the load with Coufal.
So losing the reliable, experienced Czech and would leave West Ham needing to sign two players for that position.
Given how many other areas Steidten and Lopetegui need to strengthen, that could eat into crucial funds.
At £5m, Coufal has turned out to be one of the biggest transfer bargains in West Ham’s modern history.
Overall he has been much more like his old self this season, contributing seven Premier League assists.
But he has – as mentioned – struggled at times, especially against some of the quicker, more skilful players in the top flight.
There could be nothing to the meeting even if the timing seems to suggest otherwsie.
Whatever happens Coufal has been a great servant to the club and is a true Hammers cult hero.
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