Tomas Soucek shares true feelings on Everton after failed move for West Ham midfielder
Everton failed with their efforts to sign West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer.
Soucek was compared to former Everton man Marouane Fellaini, who had been a crucial player for David Moyes’ teams of old.
The Czechia international could have provided a similar impact, having played under the Scot during his time at West Ham.
Everton had an initial bid for Soucek rejected, and did not follow up their interest after it became clear that the Hammers did not want to sell the 30-year-old.
Instead, Everton signed Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg, with the German arriving on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
Tomas Soucek ‘said no’ to Everton move
Soucek was said to be keen on a move to Everton, with the midfielder enjoying his time under the management of Moyes.
The 30-year-old enjoyed his best goal-scoring season in the league under the Scot in the 2020/21 season, bagging 10 goals from his deeper role in midfield.
Soucek is a serious threat in the air, and likes to appear late in the box to get on the end of crosses into the box by using his height to clamber over even the tallest defenders.
| Tomas Soucek | Under David Moyes |
| Appearances | 207 |
| Goals | 32 |
| Assists | 11 |
The Czechia international likely would have played a similar role for Everton, utilising the freedom usually afforded to Idrissa Gueye.
But the former Slavia Prague man has now clarified his thoughts on the potential move, telling Ceske Noviny on 4 September that it was his decision to stay at West Ham.
“There was interest,” explained Soucek. “It was also in the media, it was also felt at the club.
“But West Ham and I said no, because I feel the strength of West Ham and I feel a stable position there that is recognised. So I look forward to further cooperation at West Ham.”
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Merlin Rohl can be better than Tomas Soucek
Rohl is a different player stylistically to Soucek, but shares many of the same physical traits.
The midfielders both stand at six foot three and share a slightly lighter frame, using their long limbs to hold off opposing tacklers.
But Rohl is more technical and attacking, which should provide Moyes with a more dangerous option in the final third.
Importantly, the German is seven years Soucek’s junior, and at an early stage of his career – mouldable to his manager’s discretion.
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