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West Ham closely scouting Czech midfielder

By James Sneddon

VERONA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 30: Antonin Barak of Hellas Verona in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC v Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 30, 2021 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
VERONA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 30: Antonin Barak of Hellas Verona in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC v Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 30, 2021 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) /
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West Ham are monitoring Czech international midfielder Antonin Barak as a possible option ahead of the January transfer window.

The Hammers are expected to sign more Czech Republic players in the coming years. This follows the investment in the club from billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal, as well as defensive midfielder Alex Král are already at the club and know Barak via the national team.

Barak, the Hellas Verona star, is valued at around £17 million.

West Ham are closely scouting Czech Republic and Hellas Verona attacking midfielder, Antonin Barak.

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Antonin Barak of Hellas Veronacelebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Hellas and Empoli FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 22, 2021 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Antonin Barak of Hellas Veronacelebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Hellas and Empoli FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 22, 2021 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) /

It is believed West Ham are planning a bid for fellow Czech player, Adam Hlozek as well as the 27-year-old, Barak.

The Irons may even be sending scouts to watch Barak in action against Atalanta this Sunday, the Italian club that have now dropped into the Europa League. Plenty of clubs have their eyes on Barak with scouts from Bundesliga clubs also expected to be there.

Who is Antonin Barak?

Barák played for Slavia Prague, prior to his time in Italy, alongside Souček, Coufal and Král during the 2016/17 season. He scored eight goals in 34 games before he moved to Udinese. He then played 50 Serie A matches for Udinese and spent time on loan at Lecce and Hellas Verona. The latter then signed him on a permanent deal earlier this year.

Since his arrival at Hellas Verona his form is much improved, scoring five goals and assisting another three in just 15 games this season building on last season’s tally of being involved in 10 goals.

Barák is not known for being a quick player, but he is a creative and attacking-minded. He is also renowned for his work rate and commitment, two aspects that West Ham boss David Moyes demands.

Why?

West Ham could need a new midfielder in January, especially because Saïd Benrahma will be playing in the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria. However, there has been a resurgence in form from Manuel Lanzini.

Also, Jesse Lingard is still considered a priority target, although Barák could be another option.

Adding another Czech player to the team may prove to be good for the team, as Barák should settle quickly due to the ‘Czech Mates’ already playing for West Ham.

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