Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that he thinks West Ham United may already have Declan Rice’s replacement in Tomas Soucek.
West Ham virtually guaranteed their Premier League status for another year on Friday night, beating Watford 3-1.
David Moyes appears to have saved the Hammers once again, and plans will now begin for next season as West Ham look to avoid a repeat situation.
One of the first deals West Ham should be looking to finalise is the permanent signing of Soucek, who has been excellent since the restart.
The Czech midfielder, 25, arrived on loan from Slavia Prague in January, with the option of a permanent move should West Ham avoid relegation.
Soucek has hit three goals in seven games since the restart, providing a real aerial threat and breaking into the box a la Marouane Fellaini under Moyes at Everton.
A permanent move looks inevitable having impressed so much of late, and Redknapp even feels he could be Declan Rice’s replacement should he leave the Hammers.
“West Ham’s owners will be delighted but at the same time frustrated. This isn’t a squad who should be securing safety with a game or two to go,” said Redknapp. “Now that their Premier League status is all but assured, I’m wondering what’s next for Declan Rice.”
“He is the beating heart of that team, alongside Mark Noble. Maybe the emergence of Tomas Soucek will mean it is not the end of the world for West Ham if Rice leaves for pastures new,” he added.
Sticking Soucek into a deeper role may restrict some of his attacking ability, so that’s certainly something for West Ham to consider.
He seems to be at his best when he has the freedom to break into the box, something that Rice doesn’t really do. Ideally, West Ham would have both starting next season, but much depends on Rice’s future.
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