Carlos Soler has revealed his sense of “relief” when Paris Saint-Germain allowed him to join West Ham United on loan this summer.
Speaking to Marca, the Spanish midfielder reflected on his dramatic late move to East London and shared insights into his reasons for leaving the Ligue 1 champions.
Soler’s switch to West Ham was sealed on the final day of the transfer window, just minutes before the deadline. Reflecting on the tense moments leading up to the move, Soler said:
“We were already negotiating. But when they told me that I could travel, I felt even more relieved… and I ended up signing 15 or 20 minutes before the market closed.
“In fact, the contract did not arrive until five minutes earlier. I was with my girlfriend and my representative. Quiet… but at the same time not. Everything was closed, but if it doesn’t arrive.”
A Frustrating Spell at PSG:
Soler joined PSG from Valencia in September 2022 but found his opportunities limited in the French capital.
Despite making 63 appearances in all competitions, he clocked just over 2,800 minutes during his time at the Parc des Princes. This season, the 27-year-old realised his role would be further diminished under new manager Luis Enrique.
However, Soler made it clear that neither Enrique nor the club explicitly forced him out: “They didn’t ask me to leave,” he confirmed. Instead, it was Julen Lopetegui’s influence that played a decisive role in persuading him to swap Paris for West Ham.
Lopetegui’s Vision for Soler:
Lopetegui, who took charge at West Ham over the summer, personally convinced the Spain international that he could be a key part of his plans.
When asked by Marca about the manager’s role in his decision, Soler said: “He told me that he needed a player with my profile, with the ability to go and come back, the ability to arrive, who could help in the build-up. He felt that they didn’t have that in the team.
“He told me that they were building a good project. The first time we made contact, they had only made two signings, and we ended up making seven or eight. I was seduced by the idea of being able to come to a new team under construction and with a coach I knew.
“It’s true that there is also a lot of competition [Edson, Soucek, Guido, Paquetá…], but he also told me that my versatility could allow me to play in different positions, and I think that benefits me.”
Tough Start to Life at West Ham:
West Ham’s season has been far from smooth, with just two wins from their opening eight Premier League matches. Soler has featured in four of those games, totalling 121 minutes on the pitch.
As the Hammers look to turn their fortunes around, Lopetegui will be hoping that Soler’s adaptability and experience can play a vital role in their campaign.