West Ham capture the signing of Czech midfielder Alex Kral

West Ham has confirmed the signing of Alex Kral on a season-long loan from Russian outfit Spartak Moscow, with a view to making the move permanent.

This deal comes after promising midfielder Conor Coventry was sent on loan to Peterborough United, as Kral effectively replaces the Irishman in David Moyes’ match-day squad.

The addition of the 23-year-old provides strong competition and much-needed depth in the center of the pitch, where rotation will be required at the heart of midfield with Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, and club captain Mark Noble all plying their trade in this area.

Alex Kral joins fellow internationals Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal to become the third Czech to sign for the West Ham under David Moyes.

Kral has earned 20 caps for Czech Republic – scoring two goals – whilst also making 138 senior club appearances for FK Teplice, Slavia Prague, and Spartak Moscow, respectively.

He joins Alphonse Areola, Kurt Zouma, and Nikola Vlasic to become the Hammers’ fourth signing of the summer with the club preparing for an exciting season as they look to replicate their domestic form from last season, as well as the added challenge of Europa League football to contest with over the coming months.

Irons boss David Moyes has been a long-term fan of Kral and is elated to have the midfielder on board.

“I am delighted to welcome Alex to West Ham United,” the manager said. “He will provide good competition in the center of midfield. He is another young, talented player who we feel has a big potential and will be capable of adapting to the demands of the Premier League.”

Moyes referenced Soucek and Coufal in terms of what he expects Kral to bring to his squad.

“Alex is another established international player with the Czech Republic, and we hope he has similar characteristics and hunger to that of Tomas and Vladimir.”