- West Ham were relegated to the Championship on Sunday evening
- The Hammers are expected to be forced to a squad exodus
- Tomáš Souček has been at the club since 2020
West Ham are expected to entertain a squad exodus, whether the club hierarchy likes it or not. The Hammers were relegated to the Championship on Sunday evening after their relegation rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, secured a decisive victory over Everton, which rendered Nuno Espírito Santo’s side’s 3-0 win over Leeds United irrelevant.
The end-of-season outcome means a number of West Ham players will likely depart, and recent reports of the club’s financial predicament suggest that £150 million from player sales would be required to offset the drop to the Premier League.
There are a few departures that would be hard to stomach for supporters, with club captain Jarrod Bowen headlining that pack. Another would be Tomáš Souček, the club’s Big Friendly Giant who has endeared himself to East London since his arrival from SK Slavia Prague in January 2020.
Tomáš Souček urges club to ‘stay united and loyal’ after Premier League relegation
Souček was once again a commendable performer despite the team’s dismal performance. The 31-year-old Czech international’s goals against Everton and Manchester United in the run-in seemed decisive for potential survival. However, the Hammers would suffer three defeats in their final four matches, proving fatal.
Following the club’s relegation, Souček posted his thoughts on his X account on Monday: “This is one of the hardest days of my football career,” the midfielder wrote.
“I’m devastated for our fans, for everyone at the club and for what this means after 7 years in the club and in the Premier League.
“You deserved better from us. Thank you for standing with us even in the toughest moments.
“I truly believe the West Ham family will stay united and loyal through this difficult time, just as you always have.
“Now it’s on us to respond the right way, work harder than ever and fight to bring West Ham back where it belongs.”
A chance to cement legendary status
Like Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole in West Ham’s Championship-promoted side in 2012, Souček and company have the chance to cement legendary status in East London.
The upcoming Championship campaign will be a slog for West Ham. Every game will be appointment viewing for the league’s observers, especially at their 62,000-seat stadium. There will be an expectation to win the decision at a canter, and having someone of Souček’s quality would go a long way in doing so.
Club captain Jarrod Bowen is another who could reaffirm his legacy by staying. The 29-year-old forward told Sky Sports that his ‘vision’ was to get the club ‘back in the Premier League’ after the Leeds match.
