Vladimir Coufal appears to be the latest player to be unhappy with the club’s new contract offer this summer.
Earlier this week we learned that Declan Rice had turned down two contract offers because they were well below what his performances and quality deserved, and now it’s believed Coufal is having the same issue.
Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth revealed on Twitter on Friday afternoon that the Czech Republic’s camp are “disappointed” with what had been offered.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a hugely impressive maiden season in the Premier League, registering seven assists in 36 first-team appearances, making his £5.4m transfer fee look like one of the bargains of the Premier League era in the process.
He’s now putting in similarly impressive performances for his country at Euro 2020, creating one assist in his four outings so far this summer, and it appears the club are eager to reward such form with fresh terms.
They are indeed right to look at offering Coufal improved terms, despite two years remaining on his current deal and an option for a further two written into the deal. However, it’s seemingly clear that the wage structure at the club is beginning to cause issues when it comes to negotiating new terms with deserving first-team players.
The highest earner at the club is Andriy Yarmolenko, who is believed to be earning £115k-a-week, while Felipe Anderson is on £85k-a-week, according to Spotrac.
West Ham United continue talks with Vladimir Coufal's reps over improved contract. Gap in terms – Coufal's camp disappointed with what's being offered. Current deal up in summer 2023 with option for 2 more years. WHU recognise his performances deserve reward. #WHUFC #Coufal
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 2, 2021
With two of the club’s highest earners being out-of-favour names, it’s little wonder some of the squad might not be happy with what they’re being offered. Declan Rice understandably wants parity with Yarmolenko’s salary, while Coufal is only on £31k-a-week – any less than doubling that would surely be an insult given the performances he’s put in over the last 12 months?
It’s not clear what Coufal or Rice have been offered by the club so far but, with both camps reportedly unhappy with the club’s offers, it’s not exactly hard to believe they’re far lower than any other club would be willing to pay them.
It will be interesting to see what happens with both stars and their contract situations this summer but, while it’s important to note neither are pushing for moves away from the club just yet, West Ham really need to make sure they don’t cause any unnecessary issues with two of David Moyes’ most important players.
