According to Football.London, it was stated that reports from Sky Germany mention that West Ham United defender Vladimir Coufal is wanted by Bayern Leverkusen as they hope to add more depth to the defensive department. However, Football.London believes a move to the German outfit will not be materialised stating that Coufal has not made an impact at the East London club this season.
Coufal’s Campaign At West Ham United This Season
Coufal had a brilliant start to this campaign but succumbed to injuries in recent weeks which has reduced his game time significantly. He has made 15 appearances across all competitions so far this season without contributing to a single goal.
However, the Czech Republic international has performed consistently in the defensive half after averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game in the Premier League. Although, he needs to distribute the ball better after completing only 67.4% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Should Moyes Extend His Contract?
Coufal is a solid tackler of the ball and has got the hunger to make a few crucial interceptions inside his half. The Czech talent doesn’t mind clearing his lines when in danger of being exposed at the back. He can get forward to stretch the opposition and create space for his attackers down the middle but lacks the ability to get past defenders and set them up.
The 30-year-old is a more traditional player who stays back and helps the defensive department. He is currently struggling with game time at the East London club after the arrival of Thilo Kehrer and academy graduate Ben Johnson being preferred by David Moyes.
A move to Bayern Leverkusen could provide him with a little more game time as Jeremy Frimpong is a more attack-minded player whereas Timothy Fosu-Mensah is set to leave the club in the winter. He could provide defensive cover for the right-back positions and the German outfit could acquire him for a bargain. West Ham could also trigger an extension for two years that is included in his current contract but doing so would only mean that Coufal spends most of his time on the bench.
