West Ham United defender Vladimir Coufal is attracting interest from Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, according to Takvim.
The 31-year-old was a mainstay in West Ham’s defence last season, featuring in all but two Premier League games as they finished ninth.
The Czechia international made 47 appearances across all competitions and was part of his national team squad that failed to progress past the group stage at the 2024 European Championship.
West Ham paid around £5 million to sign Coufal from Slavia Prague four years ago, and he has been a reliable servant making 155 appearances.
Coufal has never scored for the Hammers but has 20 assists to his name. In addition to his seven assists last term, he helped to keep three clean sheets and won 51% of his total duels.
Coufal’s West Ham contract has just one year left, and the club has yet to open talks over a possible contract extension.
If West Ham don’t sell the defender this summer, he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs from January.
Coufal’s exit could force West Ham to sign two right-backs
West Ham have added six new players to Julen Lopetegui’s squad, but there could be a couple more additions before the transfer window closes.
Coufal is the only recognised right-back and the Hammers are trying to strengthen that position.
It remains to be seen if they will entertain offers for Coufal if Besiktas decide to act on their interest, but the club could be forced to sign two right-backs if he leaves this summer.
Unless he signs an extended deal, recouping funds from a potential departure would be a smarter move from West Ham rather than losing him on a free transfer.
The club has already been linked with several targets, most recently Newcastle United’s Kieran Tripper. With Coufal’s future now uncertain, they may have to plan for two right-backs.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
