Why was Coufal suddenly missing from the West Ham line-up? Media speculates, national defender reacts

Vladimír Coufal is now the subject of interest in the British media. The reason is simple. On Monday, it was reported that he is not happy with the club extending his contract on the same terms. Then on Tuesday he did not appear in the line-up.

Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal are again among West Ham’s key players this season. No wonder the English club wants to keep them. Soucek has signed a new long-term contract in London, his compatriot’s contract was supposed to be extended as well.

Coufal, however, is not entirely happy about the extension, according to the media. On the contrary. According to The Sun, the Hammers have activated the option to extend, which means that his terms will not improve one bit.

The former Prague Slavia player is reportedly not happy with that at all. Speculation quickly began that he might consider leaving West Ham. Even during the winter transfer window.

To make matters worse, West Ham played a game against Brighton on Tuesday and Coufal was missing not only in the starting lineup, but in the nomination for the game in general. This understandably sparked another and even stronger wave of speculation.

Was Coufal missing because of contract dissatisfaction?

Vladimir Coufal is one of West Ham’s lowest paid players. If he’s unhappy, it’s no wonder, although he can complain not to the club, but rather to his agent Karol Kisel.

According to the BBC, he missed Tuesday’s game against Brighton precisely because of his dissatisfaction and because he is considering a transfer. However, the defender himself has refuted such speculation on his Instagram.

“Sorry I can’t help the boys on the pitch. I’m battling a nasty flu instead of the opposing players. I’ll miss your support, but once I’m better I’ll be ready to fight for our club until my last days,” Coufal expressed.

Source: BBC, Transfermarkt