Hoffenheim adds experienced Czech defender Coufal to their roster - Czech defender Coufal joins Hoffenheim's regular lineup.
Hoffenheim Sign Czech International Right-Back Vladimir Coufal Ahead of 2025/26 Season
TSG Hoffenheim have bolstered their defensive line with the signing of Czech football national team player Vladimir Coufal. The 32-year-old defender joins the German club on a one-year contract, following the expiration of his contract with Premier League club West Ham United.
Coufal's arrival at Hoffenheim is a strategic response to the long-term injury of Valentin Gendrey, as the club looks to responsibly fill the right-back position for the upcoming season. Andreas Schicker, the sporting director of TSG Hoffenheim, expressed confidence in Coufal's ability to adapt to the Bundesliga, stating that his experience in the Premier League and international football will require minimal adjustment time.
Before joining Hoffenheim, Coufal played for West Ham United from 2020 to 2025, making approximately 180 appearances across all competitions and providing 20 assists. He was a consistent performer, known for his defensive reliability and attacking support. In the 2022/23 season, he contributed to West Ham’s UEFA Europa Conference League success.
Coufal began his professional career at Slavia Prague, before transferring to West Ham in 2020. Internationally, he has earned 55 caps for the Czech Republic, scoring 1 goal and delivering 12 assists, establishing himself as a regular and experienced national team right-back.
Coufal expressed enthusiasm about this new challenge in the Bundesliga and confidence in Hoffenheim’s potential. His signing addresses Hoffenheim’s immediate positional need with an experienced, proven defender familiar with top-level European football.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Previous Club | West Ham United (2020–2025), transferred from Slavia Prague | | Position | Right-back | | Hoffenheim Contract | One-year deal for 2025/26 season | | International Caps | 55 for Czech Republic | | Notable Accomplishments | Key player in West Ham’s UEFA Europa Conference League 2022/23 success; 180 appearances and 20 assists across competitions for West Ham | | Reason for Signing | Cover for Hoffenheim right-back Valentin Gendrey (long-term injury) |
The Commission has also been informed of the progress made in the implementation of the programme, as TSG Hoffenheim, a German club, has signed Czech international right-back Vladimir Coufal for the 2025/26 season, following his departure from the Premier League club West Ham United. This addition to the team, known for his defensive reliability and attacking support in European leagues, will undoubtedly contribute to the club's sports and football ambitions in the Bundesliga.
