Slavia Prague players that Premier League clubs should try to sign
It’s safe to say that Slavia Prague shocked half of Europe with their win over Leicester City on Thursday night in the Europa League.
The Czech Republic side kept consecutive clean sheets against Brendan Rodgers‘ side to take a 2-0 aggregate win and progress to the last 16 of the tournament, where they will take on Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side.
They currently sit top of the Gambrinus League domestically too, eight points clear at the top of the league and unbeaten after 20 games. This comes after the squad lost two of its key players in Thomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal to West Ham United in the last 13 month – both of whom have shone in the Premier League since their moves.
So who else in the Slavia Prague squad could make the move to England’s top division? 90min takes a look…
Position: Striker
Potential cost: £8m-10m
Suitable clubs: Brighton, Fulham, Newcastle, Southampton
That match-winner in the game against Leicester, Sima has been great for Slavia Prague so far this season. He has notched 19 goals in all competitions in 28 appearances and is their top scorer – Oh, and he’s just 19 years old.
Fast, direct and great in the air, Sima would be a great asset to quite a few Premier League clubs.
Position: Striker
Potential cost: £2m
Suitable clubs: Burnley, West Brom, Sheffield United
A true fox in the box, Kuchta has stepped up to the plate this season as the centre forward at the club. After coming through the academy, Kuchta went on five loan spells before joining Slovan Liberac permanently, then returning to Prague a year later.
He has excellent movement and is a good finisher, particularly with his left foot and is always on the hunt for goals – something a few sides could do with, especially on a tight budget.
Position: Right back
Potential cost: £4m
Suitable clubs: Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Brighton
Bah is the man that Slavia Prague have settled on to replace Coufal, having signed him in January from Danish outfit SønderjyskE. He’s impressed since the move, including in both games against Leicester, and would be a welcome addition to the Premier League.
An attacking full-back with great pace, Bah could do a job for some of the lower-mid table sides for a nominal fee.
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £3m
Suitable clubs: Brighton, West Brom, Leeds United
The creator-in-chief of this Slavia Prague side is left winger Lukas Provod.
The 24-year-old Czech international has registered ten assists this season to go with his five goals, and turned in a really impressive performance against Leicester.
Not blessed with the best physical attributes, but he has a wand of a left foot which more than makes up for that.
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £6m
Suitable clubs: Brighton, Southampton, Aston Villa
At 6ft 2, Olayinka is not your standard winger. But he has excellent strength, a super first touch and is an emphatic finisher. Similar in style to Bertrand Traore of Aston Villa, the Nigerian international could be a bit of a wildcard for Premier League sides in mid-table.
Position: Central midfield
Potential cost: £5m
Suitable clubs: Newcastle, Wolves, Crystal Palace
Potentially the most complete player at the club, Stanciu is a technician in the midfield for Slavia Prague.
Stanciu is a creative midfielder and has a similar style of play to Kevin De Bruyne – no he’s not as good, relax. He uses physical attributes to beat players rather than skill and has an extensive passing range that helps him break defences down and would add good depth to a Premier League side.