Soucek could see a new partner in the midfield. West Ham have found a replacement for Rice at Ajax, but there’s a catch

West Ham have had a controversial season. While the Hammers may have enjoyed a European Conference League victory, things have not looked good for them in the Premier League for a long time. Could this be motivation for them towards more activity in the transfer market? It wasn’t. The team’s biggest star has left, and coach David Moyes’ replacement is not yet in the team.

West Ham fans probably have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season. Last season, the London club did win the Conference League trophy, but they only picked up six points more than the last relegated team in the league.

Despite this, David Moyes did not get any reinforcements to the team over the summer. The only player who has been added to the roster is the returning guest player Nikola Vlasic. Otherwise, Declan Rice and Manuel Lanzini have left the Hammers. The loss of the former in particular will be a problem.

Especially considering that no replacement has come in yet. Tomas Soucek is certainly being counted on for the centre of midfield, with Flynn Downes or Premier League unfancied Conor Coventry also available.

Even together, Soucek and Downes do not possess the package of skills that Rice offered the team, although they are certainly not bad footballers. In addition, Downes doesn’t have much experience, he impressed last season but didn’t even play 800 minutes in the Premier League.

It is no wonder then that West Ham are looking for reinforcements wherever they can with the English league scheduled to start next weekend. He’s even scouted one. David Moyes has taken a liking to Edson Álvarez, who is the club’s top transfer priority.

Álvarez, at 25, is an experienced player. He has already played almost 150 competitive games across all competitions for Ajax and has played almost 70 games for the Mexican national team, but he is a proven footballer who will play as either a defensive midfielder or a stopper.

His arrival is further complicated by the fact that Ajax are not too keen on selling him. The Dutch big club has already lost nine players in the summer. It is therefore questionable whether the transfer will work.

Source: Fabrizio Romano, Transfermarkt, West Ham United