West Ham return to Championship action against Queens Park Rangers on Friday, with Tomáš Souček’s contract now becoming another important issue around Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad. The London derby at the London Stadium starts at 8pm BST, while Souček’s return gives the manager a timely selection boost.

The 31-year-old midfielder has spent weeks recovering from the ankle ligament injury he suffered at the 2026 World Cup. Last week, though, he played most of a behind-closed-doors friendly and converted a penalty, providing a useful indication that his recovery has reached its final stage. Claret & Hugh now reports that Souček is discussing a fresh contract with the club, with a source close to his camp saying he loves West Ham and has never wanted to leave.

That development matters because his existing agreement expires on 30 June 2027. West Ham therefore face a decision over whether to commit significant wages to an experienced midfielder who turns 32 next February. Public salary estimates put Souček on around £90,000 a week, although that figure remains an estimate rather than an official club disclosure.

For Nuno, however, Souček offers qualities that remain difficult to replace in a Championship promotion campaign. He provides an aerial threat at set pieces while giving the midfield a physical presence during defensive phases. His willingness to attack the box can create another scoring route when matches become tight.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Tomas Soucek of West Ham United places a shirt behind a goal in tribute to former West Ham United player, Ludek Miklosko, before the Carabao Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Fulham at London Stadium on September 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

There is a strong case for keeping him. A promotion campaign demands experience, particularly through the congested run of fixtures that arrives before Christmas. Souček has already experienced Premier League pressure, European football and the demands of a relegation fight, while his popularity inside the dressing room adds another useful element.

Yet West Ham cannot ignore the financial side. A reported £90,000 weekly salary equals roughly £4.68 million across a year before bonuses, so a new agreement needs sensible terms. A shorter extension with performance incentives could protect the club if promotion does not arrive immediately.

Souček’s value should therefore rest on more than sentiment. His return gives Nuno another experienced body, another aerial outlet and a midfielder who can contribute at both ends. If the club can agree a lower-risk structure, keeping him makes sense. The current talks suggest both sides already want that outcome. That could matter even more during winter, with QPR next.