Key Points
- West Ham United seek to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Czech Republic international goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to bolster goalkeeper depth amid the reportedly imminent departure of unwanted Dane Mads Hermansen.
- Antonin Kinsky, aged 22, joined Tottenham in January 2025 under manager Ange Postecoglou.
- Kinsky has featured in just two appearances this season under Tottenham’s Thomas Frank, both in the Carabao Cup, where he kept two clean sheets.
- West Ham have made contact with rivals Tottenham regarding a potential mid-season transfer for Kinsky.
- Historical precedent exists with former manager David Moyes signing successful Czech internationals Tomas Soucek (over 250 senior caps) and Vladimir Coufal (180 caps), both integral to West Ham’s 2023 Conference League triumph.
- Negotiations face challenges due to lingering rivalry between the clubs, despite reduced animosity compared to the Daniel Levy era at Tottenham.
- The move aims to aid West Ham’s survival efforts in their current campaign.​
East London (East London Times) January 11, 2026 – West Ham United have initiated contact with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential January transfer for Czech Republic international goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, as the Hammers look to strengthen their goalkeeping options ahead of Mads Hermansen’s expected exit. This pursuit revives memories of David Moyes’ successful recruitment of Czech talents Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, who became fan favourites and key figures in the club’s 2023 Conference League victory. Reports indicate Tottenham may resist aiding their struggling east London neighbours mid-season.​
Who is Antonin Kinsky and Why Does West Ham Want Him?
Antonin Kinsky, the 22-year-old Czech Republic international, joined Tottenham Hotspur in January 2025 under then-manager Ange Postecoglou. As detailed in the original report from givemesport.com, Kinsky “has made just two appearances all season under Thomas Frank, both in the Carabao Cup, keeping two clean sheets in the process.” West Ham view him as a solution to their goalkeeper depth crisis, particularly with the “reportedly ‘imminent’ departure of unwanted Dane Mads Hermansen.”​
The Hammers’ interest stems from a proven track record with Czech players. It was David Moyes who brought his ‘Czech boys’ to West Ham United, first Tomas Soucek and then Vladimir Coufal. Both went on to huge success, Soucek with over 250 senior caps and counting, right back Coufal 180.​
What Challenges Lie in Negotiating with Tottenham?
Transfer talks between West Ham and Tottenham face hurdles rooted in historic rivalry. The report notes that whilst “the distrust and animosity between the two sides is no longer at its Daniel Levy-era peak,” Tottenham are “hardly likely to do their struggling east London neighbours any favours.” As givemesport.com highlights,
“West Ham have now made contact with London rivals Tottenham over a potential move to sign Czech Republic international Kinsky this month.”​
Mid-season deals add complexity, as Premier League clubs rarely weaken their squads to assist direct competitors. West Ham’s precarious position heightens the pressure, making any concession from Spurs unlikely without substantial incentives. Whilst the distrust and animosity between the two sides is no longer at its Daniel Levy-era peak, it will still take a big effort to negotiate a deal to bring the Czech keeper to the Hammers squad mid season.​
How Does This Fit West Ham’s Survival Strategy?
West Ham’s chase for Kinsky aligns with broader efforts to secure Premier League survival. Goalkeeper instability, exacerbated by Hermansen’s impending exit, demands immediate reinforcement. The club hopes Kinsky’s clean sheets in limited Carabao Cup action signal reliability for high-stakes matches.​
Drawing parallels to past successes, Soucek and Coufal transformed from Moyes signings into club stalwarts. Their integration boosted team morale and performance, a blueprint West Ham aim to replicate. Their work ethic and popularity amongst the fan base was legendary and both were part of the Conference League winning side of 2023.​
What is Kinsky’s Background at Tottenham?
Kinsky’s Tottenham tenure has been peripheral since his January 2025 arrival. Under Ange Postecoglou initially, then Thomas Frank, he logged only two outings. Givemesport.com specifies:
“The 22-year-old joined the club [Spurs] in January 2025 under Ange Postecoglou…Kinsky has made just two appearances all season under Thomas Frank.”
Both were Carabao Cup ties, yielding clean sheets that underscore his potential.​
Despite modest exposure, Kinsky’s international pedigree with Czech Republic elevates his appeal. At 22, he offers long-term value, contrasting Hermansen’s unpopularity.
Why Follow David Moyes’ Czech Recruitment Model?
David Moyes introduced the ‘Czech boys’ era at West Ham. Tomas Soucek arrived first, followed by Vladimir Coufal. The report celebrates:
“IT WAS DAVID MOYES who brought his ‘Czech boys’ to West Ham United, first Tomas Soucek and then Vladimir Coufal. Both went on to huge success.”
Soucek boasts “over 250 senior caps and counting,” while Coufal has 180.​
Their legacy includes the 2023 Conference League triumph, embedding them in club lore. West Ham now seek to extend this vein, targeting Kinsky for similar impact. Fans recall the duo’s pivotal roles in European glory, fostering optimism for another Czech import.
Could Mads Hermansen’s Exit Accelerate the Deal?
Mads Hermansen, the Danish goalkeeper deemed unwanted, prompts urgent action. His “reportedly ‘imminent’ departure” creates a vacancy Kinsky could fill. West Ham prioritise depth, especially with survival hanging in balance.​
Hermansen’s unpopularity underscores the need for fresh blood. Kinsky’s youth and form position him ideally, potentially fast-tracking negotiations.
What Makes Kinsky a Low-Risk, High-Reward Option?
At 22, Kinsky combines experience—two clean sheets in competitive football—with growth potential. His Czech international status mirrors Soucek and Coufal’s profiles upon arrival. Givemesport.com’s coverage positions him as a strategic mid-season addition.​
West Ham’s London base aids adaptation, minimising cultural shocks. Success here could mirror prior Czech triumphs, enhancing squad cohesion.
How Might Fans React to Another Tottenham Raid?
Supporters cherish Soucek and Coufal’s legacies, viewing Kinsky as a natural successor. The report’s narrative of “popularity amongst the fan base” for past Czechs suggests enthusiasm. Yet, Tottenham rivalry tempers excitement; pulling off the deal would amplify goodwill.​
Fan forums buzz with speculation, weighing rivalry against necessity. Survival trumps grudges for most.
What Broader Context Surrounds West Ham’s January Window?
West Ham’s activity reflects relegation pressure. Beyond Kinsky, squad bolstering remains imperative. Moyes’ blueprint—targeting undervalued internationals—guides strategy.
Premier League dynamics intensify mid-season moves. Tottenham’s reluctance tests West Ham’s resolve, but necessity drives pursuit. The Hammers are now looking to add another Czech international to the squad to provide greater goal keeping depth.​
Implications for Czech Republic National Team?
Kinsky’s potential move elevates his profile. With Soucek and Coufal thriving at West Ham, a third Czech could strengthen national team bonds. His two caps under Frank hint at untapped promise.
Czech football eyes the transfer keenly, anticipating Premier League exposure for the young goalkeeper.
What Are the Next Steps in This Transfer Saga?
Securing Kinsky demands overcoming Tottenham’s stance. Reduced Levy-era tensions help, but mid-season pragmatism prevails. West Ham must craft a compelling proposal.
As givemesport.com reports, initial contact occurred, signalling intent. Resolution hinges on Spurs’ squad assessment. The story continues to develop as January transfer deadlines loom.​
West Ham’s pursuit of Antonin Kinsky encapsulates hope amid struggle. Echoing Moyes’ masterstrokes, this Czech chase could define their season. Neutral observers watch closely, noting every detail from the original reporting.
