Everton & West Ham Eye Czech Star Pavel Šulc as He Returns to Lyon Squad

Pavel Šulc, the heartbeat of Olympique Lyon’s attacking transitions, has not lost an ounce of popularity in the transfer market despite being sidelined since late February with a hamstring injury. 

The long-awaited good news arrived today: the Czech star has fully recovered and has been included in the squad for tonight's match against Celta Vigo. 

With Šulc returning to the pitch at full fitness, elite clubs from the Premier League and Bundesliga are already forming long queues at Lyon's door.

"Czech" Operation in the Premier League 

Šulc’s attacking versatility and effectiveness inside the penalty area have particularly mobilised middle and top-tier Premier League sides. 

The clubs currently monitoring his profile and placing him at the top of their shortlists are:

Facing a deficit of creative playmakers, Leeds and Everton have identified Šulc as one of their primary targets for the summer window, SportsBoom understands. 

Similarly, West Ham United scouts, looking to bolster their rotations on the wings and behind the striker, were reportedly in the stands for four of the player's last five matches prior to his injury.

Additionally, renowned "talent hunters" Bayer Leverkusen and this season’s surprise package Stuttgart are continuing their pursuit of Šulc, which dates back to his tenure at Viktoria Plzeň.

Šulc isn’t Lyon’s only star attracting Premier League attention this summer, with Afonso Moreira and Tyler Morton also reportedly being scouted by English clubs.

"The Silent Executioner" on the Pitch 

Analyses in scouting notebooks remain glowing for the player who has left his injury period behind. 

Offering far more than a traditional playmaker, Šulc operates like a "shadow striker," ghosting into the box to reach double-digit goal tallies. This trait makes him the key to unlocking low-block defenses.

His ability to operate both centrally and on the flanks at Lyon provides managers with immense flexibility. His pressing stats and successful tackles prove he also possesses modern "box-to-box" (two-way midfielder) qualities.

Adapting to a high-pressure environment like Lyon in his debut season and assuming a leadership role has earned him "excellent" marks for character.

Lyon’s Financial Stance

While owner John Textor and the Eagle Football Group categorize Šulc as "unsellable," leaked information suggests bids in the €35M–€45 million range could be considered for long-term financial sustainability. 

The prospect of a 5-6x return on a €7.5M investment within a single year is enticing for the board.

Moreover, with a contract running until June 30, 2029, Lyon holds the "firm seller" status at the negotiating table, allowing them to rebuff any low-ball offers.

Analytical Verdict: Potential Scenarios

The strongest appeal of this move is the "guaranteed starting XI" spot and the Premier League showcase offered by clubs like Everton or West Ham. If the player prioritizes regular minutes, "the Island" will be his destination.

Should Lyon secure a Champions League berth, staying in France for another season to further inflate his valuation could be a profitable "wait-and-see" strategy for both the player and the club.

While his interest in the disciplined structure of the Bundesliga is known, the financial might of the Premier League currently keeps this option in the background.

Summary

Sources describe Šulc as "Ligue 1’s biggest discovery of the season." 

While Lyon deeply felt his absence following the injury, they are reportedly "reluctantly" open to a major transfer fee to fund reinforcements for their defensive line as they reunite with their player for the Celta Vigo match. 

For Šulc, the summer of 2026 will be the moment he earns his "elite club" passport. With the end of his injury, the appetite of the English giants is now even greater.