West Ham United Star Confirms Transfer Talks with Fulham and Everton | OneFootball

West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal: Fulham Interest and Everton Transfer Links

West Ham’s Czech full-back, Vladimir Coufal, has found himself at a crossroads as his future with the Hammers remains uncertain. Despite impressive performances in recent years, the 32-year-old has faced limited game time this season, sparking interest from other Premier League clubs, most notably Fulham and Everton.

Coufal’s Limited Game Time at West Ham

Since Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival from Manchester United last summer, Coufal’s opportunities have dwindled. The former Crystal Palace defender has made a strong impression at the London Stadium, keeping Coufal on the bench for much of the campaign. As a result, Coufal has made just eight Premier League starts this season, leaving him eager to find more consistent playing time.

It was during the January transfer window that speculation surrounding Coufal’s future intensified. Fulham, desperate to bolster their right-back options after Kenny Tete’s injury, made a last-minute push to sign Coufal on deadline day. The move, however, was thwarted by timing and circumstance.

Deadline Day Drama: Fulham’s Bid Rejected

Coufal was in action at Stamford Bridge on deadline day, featuring for 72 minutes in West Ham’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. As he emerged from the dressing room post-match, he found several missed calls from his agent, Karol Kisel, with an urgent message to call back. Speaking to the Czech daily newspaper Mladá fronta Dnes, as reported by Sport Witness, Coufal revealed:

“I’m torn about all this because West Ham didn’t let me go to Fulham on deadline day. I guess not many people know about this. In the dressing room after the match [against Chelsea], I look at my phone and there are four missed calls from my agent. Plus, a message: ‘Call me immediately’.”

Photo: IMAGO

Fulham’s offer was enticing, with Coufal admitting:

“Fulham offered great conditions. Karol [Kisel, Coufal’s agent] asked: ‘Would you like it?’ I said: ‘Why not, if there’s no use at West Ham’.”

Yet, despite the appeal of staying in London and remaining in the Premier League, West Ham ultimately blocked the move, leaving Coufal visibly frustrated by the decision.

Balancing Family and Football

Coufal’s personal life also played a significant role in his thought process. Having settled well in London, he acknowledged the difficulty of uprooting his family at this stage of his career. He said:

“I’ll be 33 and it made sense to me [to move], although I love West Ham and could imagine finishing my career there. As for Fulham, I would stay in the Premier League and even in London. We really like it there. My son has started playing in the West Ham academy and is doing better than I expected. My daughter will be going to school next year. How do I explain to them that we are moving to a completely different place?”

It’s clear that Coufal remains committed to the Hammers but is also pragmatic about the realities of limited playing time and his desire to remain competitive at the top level.

Everton and Moyes: A Reunion on the Cards?

Looking beyond the immediate disappointment of the failed Fulham move, Everton have emerged as potential suitors. David Moyes, now at the helm at Goodison Park, knows Coufal well from their time together at West Ham. With the defender’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the prospect of a Merseyside switch remains firmly on the table.

Coufal himself has kept his cards close to his chest but did hint at the possibility of reuniting with his former manager:

“When I am free, anything can happen.”

If Moyes were to secure Coufal’s services, it could provide Everton with a seasoned and dependable right-back option, something the Toffees have lacked in recent campaigns.

What Next for Vladimir Coufal?

As the season progresses and West Ham’s plans for the future become clearer, Coufal will need to weigh his options carefully. A move to Fulham would have allowed him to remain settled in London, while a potential switch to Everton offers a chance to work under a familiar face. Whatever the outcome, the Czech international’s passion for the game and commitment to his family will undoubtedly play a significant role in his next career move.

For West Ham, the decision to keep him beyond this season hinges on balancing loyalty to a trusted servant with the need to refresh the squad. Regardless of how it plays out, Coufal’s story is a reminder of the complexities behind transfer negotiations and the human element that often goes overlooked.