Soucek extends West Ham contract

Tomas Soucek joined West Ham from Slavia Prague in July 2020 [Getty Images] West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek has signed a new contract with the Championship club, which will run until the summer of 2028. The Czech Republic international, 31, has made 285 appearances for the Hammers since joining in January 2020, scoring 47 goals. He was part of the team which won the Uefa Europa Conference League in 2023. "West Ham United means a lot to me. I've been here half my football life, seven years, and it will be more," he told the club's website. "I can say with my heart it's my home and it's where I feel so proud of what we've done and I believe that we will do even more. "After signing a new contract, I have a new ambition for myself and for the club. "The first is that we want to go straight back to the Premier League, then I want to play and be successful in the Premier League next season." Soucek made his return from a five-month lay-off on Friday, playing the first 45 minutes against QPR as he builds up his fitness following the ankle ligament injury he suffered during the World Cup. Hammers head coach Nuno Espírito Santo called Soucek a "huge figure" in the dressing room. "He is someone that we can always rely on, someone who always competes to his maximum every single day and his professionalism is the perfect example to every young player," Nuno said. "We are all really happy that he is going to continue being an important player for us and that he can now focus completely on helping us to achieve our objective this season of returning to the Premier League." Latest West Ham news, analysis and fan views Ask about West Ham - what do you want to know?