West Ham target €2.7m Czech striker in low‑risk gamble

Around €2.7 million on Transfermarkt’s valuation, West Ham United have entered talks to sign 31‑year‑old Czech striker Tomáš Chorý, a move that has immediately raised questions about whether the forward is the right option for the Hammers given his recent form and the club’s promotion ambitions.

The negotiations follow a blunt declaration from Slavia Prague president Jaroslav Tvrdík, who said Chorý has kicked his last ball for the Czech champions and that his future lies elsewhere. His public exile has ignited interest across Europe, positioning West Ham as unexpected suitors.

Chorý has earned 24 caps for the Czech Republic, scoring seven goals, and featured in the Champions League group stage with Slavia Prague. A season earlier he contributed 14 goals in 32 matches to help Slavia secure the domestic title.

In the 2025/26 campaign he netted 17 goals in 24 league games, topping Slavia’s scoring charts and adding four assists. Standing 6 ft 6 in tall and weighing 102 kg, the striker offers a formidable aerial presence.

His only experience beyond Czechia was a brief 2020 loan at Belgian side Zulte Waregem. West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo weighs this carefully, preferring proven Championship quality and also monitoring Swansea’s Zan Vipotnik, the league’s Golden Boot winner.

At roughly €2.7 million, the fee represents a low‑risk financial gamble for West Ham, though adapting to the relentless pace of the English Championship could require months. With the summer transfer window drawing to a close and promotion the club’s primary goal, the Hammers must decide swiftly, while the modest price has already attracted attention from other European clubs.