We produce a fair number of above-average central midfielders and right backs too, but we are missing a full generation in central defense.
Alex Kral is being watched by at least three English clubs including Everton. Most likely because of how he played in the recent qualifying match. I don't see any way that Spartak sells him after one year unless it is a really big offer (remember they paid like 13 Million Euros in August). Spartak started the season very poorly, but just had a promising first match under a new manager.
Sadly, the list of English teams tracking Kral are definitely more... modest clubs than Arsenal. Everton, Newcastle, Burnley and Norwich City are the ones mentioned. I honestly think of the last 2 as lower tier until I actually see a league table to remind me they are in the EPL. Everton and Newcastle I think of higher even if they aren't doing great now. I guess which ever ones avoid the drop and feel like spending 20 Million GBP next summer may have a chance if no bigger options come through.
Barak started and scored a goal in Coppa Italia today. If he can get back on form he's the other highly valued player on our team (along with Schick, Jankto and now Soucek). I don't include goalkeepers in that list as in addition to Vaclik and Pavelenka; Ondrej Kolar bids are starting as Slavia rejected 8 Million from Nice saying they want double that.
Schick scored again off the bench yesterday which I believe means he's equaled his most prolific season at Roma in just 5 or 6 appearances, his goal to minute rate is excellent for RBL so far.
He has been doing well for them. I'm hearing good things from my friend who supports RB. If he can keep this up, I think they might snag him.
I think Schick will definitely make a permanent move if either of these happen: 1) Timo Werner is sold (seems fairly likely) 2) they fail to purchase Erling Haland (while it is not guaranteed as other clubs are interested, this still seems less likely since he is already in the Red Bull universe) Even if not, he will have enough value for Roma to find a decent buyer.
Genoa have made a 5 Million initial offer for Krmencik, although Plzen say they've rejected. Considering his injury last season I think this is a fair offer, although Krmencik's physicality always struck me as better suited for France or lower table English team than Italy. Post injury his ceiling may be Belgium or Netherlands in all honesty.
Italy does have some big strikers, but yea it's not as likely he'd suit the playing style of that league. Still not a bad move for him to make, and I think 5 million is more than fair.
Jan Vodhanel of Bohemians 1905 has interest from Jablonec and Philadelphia Union. I think he wants to try abroad from his social media activity, but not sure if an MLS side will pay the transfer fee. If he isn't getting interest from a bigger league or top 3 Czech side this is a fine enough move for a decent player that shows occasional flashes of potential.
Josef Husbauer is getting interest from Fortuna Dusseldorf. Slavia have signed 2 young central midfielders and I think Husbauer's lack of effectiveness in European competitions have made him surplus. Surprised a Bundesliga team is interested at his age, would have thought maybe MLS as was briefly rumored last summer.
Husbauer is in fact in negotiations Dusseldorf, and isn't with Slavia for winter training. In making way for younger players Slavia also off-loaded Milan Skoda who is going to Turkey with Genclerbirligi.
Skoda is a done deal to Turkey from the sound of things, albeit with Rizespor instead. Husbauer is in limbo, sounds like Dusseldorf backed off and now its a list of higher table clubs from Austria to Bulgaria that may struggle with the million Euro transfer fee.... As much as that is chump change in top leagues for many smaller league clubs trying to sign someone that is turning 30 and going to be free/out of contract end of season, it can be a hurdle. Krmencik now getting interest from Brescia, so it looks like Italy is where his agent is focusing.
I saw Leicester signed one of our guys. Likely going straight into their U-23s but that is a good step.
I think you may have seen other way around, a U-18 youth defender just moved to Sparta from Leicester. https://www.transfermarkt.us/lukas-husek/profil/spieler/490895 We do have a strange monopoly on Manchester United youth goalkeepers though.
Kral is being linked to Newcastle, but this wouldn't make sense for a winter move. He actually wouldn't be able to play in Newcastle until next season since he's already played official matches for 2 clubs this season.
Newcastle are so negative but at least it would get him a move to the premier league. I think Kral is a good player who'd suit the league well.
Interview with Trpisovsky, says he's had one lower table offer and a traditional club currently in the 2nd division offer in the top 4 countries (why I'm posting this here), but he is happy where he is for now and is working on his English to communicate better with foreign players and press. Sounds like his plan is to at some point take a break for year when he is done at Slavia before taking another job (national team or abroad). https://www.forbes.cz/trener-trpiso...apadni-evropy-po-slavii-naopak-planuje-pauzu/ I think Spartak would be insane to sell him before the Euro 2020, and if he has a good tournament he may get better options. Negative wouldn't necessarily be bad for Kral since he is naturally a more defensive midfielder (though a very skillful one). Quick updates: Tomas Brecka, central defender from Jablonec just transferred to Turkish side Kasimpasa in a sort of out of nowhere decent move. Husbauer ultimately signed with Dynamo Dresden (2. Bundesliga) on a loan to the end of the season (and his contract). Seems like a smart move for his career as he will have more options out of contract. Since it is a 2nd division side it should hopefully keep him out of sight for national team considerations.
When I first heard Soucek linked to West Ham, I thought that is a risky move and he can do better. The deal they worked out with Slavia looks like a good compromise though, 4 Million for a half season loan with a buy clause of 16 if they stay up. Best case Slavia gets 20 million and Soucek gets to be a Premier League starter. Worst case they get a 4 million rental fee, Soucek gets 4 months to prove himself in England, and they shop for a permanent buyer next summer.
A move midseason to a club that is likely to get relegated is a tough one. West Ham have a very difficult schedule coming up, and it would be hard to shine in that squad.
Yeah, I think that's why it's good that this starts as a loan with an escape clause if West Ham get relegated. If West Ham stay up, Soucek will shatter the all time transfer record for Czech league. We have another big move, albeit one that is also slightly disappointing as Krmencik moves to Club Brugge for 6.5 Million Euros. Brugge have made offers before, but Krmencik was clearly hoping to get to a top 5 league prior to his injury (and even this winter with some interest in Italy). Still whereas 2 years ago this move was borderline lateral it is very clear that Plzen are falling further and further behind Slavia, and his odds of European play will be much higher.