Vladimir Coufal’s agent slams West Ham and reveals defender is ‘NOT happy’ with new contract
VLADIMIR COUFAL'S agent has hit out at West Ham for not giving the defender a pay rise this season.
SunSport revealed on Monday that the right-back was considering his future at the London Stadium due to his contract situation.
West Ham have extended his current deal, which was due to expire in the summer, by another year after activating an option in the contract.
But the 31-year-old's representative, Karol Kisel, says the Czech Republic international "deserves better", calling for a longer deal on bigger money.
Speaking to Czech site inFotbalu, Kisel said: "Cuf certainly deserves a better salary from the club and a new, improved, longer-term contract for his long-term performances in the West Ham jersey, in addition to the title in the Conference League.
"So far, even after negotiations, West Ham's management sees it differently and has only exercised the option of a one-year extension.
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"Cuf is not happy about it as we expected a better offer."
West Ham yesterday confirmed that Coufal's close friend and compatriot, Tomas Soucek, had agreed a new deal until 2027 on improved terms.
Coufal has made 132 appearances for the Hammers since his bargain £5million signing from Slavia Prague in 2020, helping the club win their first trophy for 43 years, the Europa Conference League, in his home country last June.
Had West Ham not taken up the option to extend his contract, Coufal would have been able to discuss terms with overseas clubs ahead of a free transfer in the summer from this week.
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Meanwhile, West Ham are waiting on the results of a scan on Mohammed Kudus after he picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Arsenal.
Kudus would have missed the Premier League clash with Brighton regardless of injury as he was set to join up with Ghana in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The expectation is that the former Ajax winger will still be able to take part in the tournament, although he has been delayed in joining up with Chris Hughton's squad.