This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal has emerged as a summer transfer target for Leeds United.
According to talkSPORTt, the Whites are eyeing a deal for the full-back, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the Premier League campaign.
The 32-year-old has featured 20 times in the top flight so far this season, including only 10 starts, having fallen down the pecking order under Graham Potter.
He could provide competition for Jayden Bogle in Daniel Farke’s side, with Leeds readying for life back in the Premier League after clinching the Championship title.
Leeds backed to chase Vladimir Coufal
When asked about the potential arrival of Coufal, FLW’s Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith claimed it would be a solid signing.
He believes focusing on older, experienced Premier League players to bolster the squad would be a good way to prepare for their top flight return.
“I have a lot of confidence in Jayden Bogle being good enough for the Premier League for us next season,” Smith told Football League World.
Vladimir Coufal – West Ham league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)
Season
Appearances (Starts)
Goals (Assists)
2020-21
34
0 (7)
2021-22
28 (25)
0 (4)
2022-23
27 (24)
0 (1)
2023-24
36
0 (7)
2024-25
20 (10)
0
“But, for me, definitely need some competent backup behind if things do go sour with his performances, or if he’s just available through injury.
“So, signing a free agent as experienced as Vladimir Coufal makes perfect sense to me.
“He brings in a real good defensive quality to the team, as well as being someone who has been in the Premier League and a core part of this side for five years now.
“I don’t think by any means that he’s the flashiest of full-backs that you can get your hands on, but Leeds are going to have to do a lot of defending next season and they’re going to need players who can sit deep and defend in their own box for a large portion of the game, which Coufal can definitely do one-v-one.
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“And I think, overall, if Leeds do sign a handful of players that are approaching or are in their 30’s now that have got a lot of Premier League experience now, like Coufal, then I’ll be really pleased with how we’re looking to tackle the Premier League, rather than just signing these flashy, bright new signings.
“Getting a few free agents in for no money that are definitely going to make us better as a whole, is the way to go forward.”
Bogle was Farke’s primary option for Leeds at right-back this season, featuring 44 times and contributing six goals and four assists.
Coufal will provide some needed depth at Leeds
It would be concerning if Coufal was being brought in as a starting option for Farke’s team, as it’s become clear this season that he’s not capable of that anymore.
But as a backup, he could prove a solid option for a year or two as Leeds look to establish themselves back in the Premier League.
While he’s not as good going forward as Bogle, his defensive prowess could make him a useful alternative, especially if the Whites will be doing a lot more work in their own third next season.
As a free agent deal, this could be a smart bit of business for Leeds.