Softfootball reports that Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Czech international Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer. The 32-year-old right-back is currently a free agent after his contract with West Ham United expired at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Coufal, who made 22 Premier League appearances last season, has attracted Hoffenheim’s interest as the club seeks an experienced option to replace the injured Valentin Gendrey.
The veteran defender brings a wealth of experience, having made 147 top-flight appearances for West Ham over five seasons, and remains a regular in the Czech national team setup with 55 caps to his name.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he revealed via his Official X handle that Coufal has already arrived in Germany to undergo medical tests and finalize the contract.
He said:
“Hoffenheim agree deal to sign former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal. He’s already in Germany for medical tests and contract signing.”
Sources at Softfootball confirm that Coufal is among Hoffenheim’s top options to fill the right-back void. His availability on a free transfer is seen as a low-risk move by the club’s technical team, particularly given his consistent performances at both club and international levels.
West Ham have seemed to move on from their former player and have recently been openly pursuing Botafogo’s talented goalkeeper John Victor.
Internally, Hoffenheim could also consider players like Arthur Chaves, recently re-signed by the club, or German-Nigerian utility man Kevin Akpoguma, both of whom have experience playing in wide defensive roles.
However, Coufal’s proven pedigree and market value estimated at €5 million make him a standout candidate. As things stand, the deal appears close to completion, with only formalities remaining before Coufal officially begins a new chapter in the Bundesliga.
