West Ham United will have to sell a number of players this summer, regardless of their Premier League status heading into next season. The Hammers are doing their best to ensure they remain in the top flight, but Nuno Espirito Santo will now that departures are imminent.
One player that appears destined for the exit door is Tomas Soucek. The West Ham favourite is one of the club’s highest earners and with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2027, now would be the time to cash in on the 31-year-old.
With Soucek in the shop window one way or another, West Ham need to find a replacement, but they might already have the perfect one in their squad.
Mohamadou Kante’s West Ham rise
In many ways, Mohamadou Kante fit’s the bill as a Soucek replacement. He certainly has the height and the range, and can play multiple midfield positions like the big Czech has done over the years for the Hammers.
The young 20-year-old has finally been integrated into the West Ham first team this season, after joining the club just under two years ago. The Frenchman initially returned to Paris FC on-loan with the deal, but has now begun to be used by Nuno, showcasing his talents.
After playing 102 minutes against Burton Albion in the FA Cup, Kante was brough back in for the next round, against Premier League Brentford. In the 76 minutes the 20-year-old played, not once did he look out of place, with the Bees only finding an equalizer after he was subbed off the pitch.
Still room to grow for Kante
The Frenchman does need to add more to his game. Kante is yet to score a senior goal but he does already have other things under his belt. Defensively the midfielder is a strong tackler and more than confident on the ball. As a player, the 20-year-old fit’s the bill as a Soucek replacement better than ever, and he is already at West Ham.
Mohamadou Kante’s West Ham United Statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Avg Rating Per 90 |
| 9 | 0 | 7.26 |
With just nine Hammers games under his belt putting the name of replacement over his head could hinder some, but the midfielder has grown into every game he has played, getting better every game.
There’s no hiding that Kante is rough around the edges but with more football, will come the finished product. At his age, he looks well ahead of where West Ham thought he would be when they signed him. With a new horizon on it’s way at the club, Kante’s development could have come at the perfect time for the Hammers.
