Vladimir Coufal has acknowledged that he had discussions with Bayer Leverkusen from Bundesliga, but he is now eager to continue playing in the Premier League with West Ham United, reports the HITC.
Coufal, who represents the Czech Republic, started only one of the Hammers’ first eight league matches leading up to the Qatar World Cup, implying that he might depart during the following transfer window. He expressed dissatisfaction with his limited playing time under manager David Moyes during that period.
Having fought his way back into the West Ham starting lineup, Vladimir Coufal, who joined for £5.4 million from Slavia Prague, is now keen on securing a new contract in London, as his current deal expires in July. When asked about rumors indicating that he was no longer wanted at the London Stadium, Coufal refuted them, stating that no one had informed him of such a decision, and he believes that manager David Moyes would have discussed it with him directly.
Moyes even contacted him after the World Cup and acknowledged his importance to the team, apologizing for not playing him in some games. Coufal now wants to remain in England for as long as possible.
Coufal said: “There was interest (from Leverkusen). People from the club came to see, some negotiations took place. At Bayer, they were deciding whether Jeremie Frimpong would leave.
“Of course, it attracted me in a way. Leverkusen is an elite German team, there are two Czech boys in the squad (Adam Hlozek and Patrik Schick). They play interesting football.
“But maybe it would be a step back. Not from a team point of view, but from a competition point of view. The Premier League is the best in my eyes. So I preferred to stay. I’m happy to have earned a place in the West Ham squad.”