Real Sociedad's Carlos Soler says West Ham United helped him improve his game.
The Spain international is a product of Valencia's academy and has spent six years with their first team.
He left the Mestalla for Paris Saint-Germain in September 2022 and played 1,530 minutes in 35 matches in his first season. In his second season, PSG appointed Luis Enrique.
The former West Ham player played under his compatriot for the national team, but did not enjoy regular minutes under Enrique during the 2023/24 season. Therefore, PSG sent him on loan to the Premier League team in August 2024.
Julen Lopetegui was the manager at West Ham at the time and Soler played 18 matches under his command. The Hammers parted ways with him in January 2025 and appointed Graham Potter as his successor.
Soler scored one goal and provided one assist in 1,487 minutes in 33 matches for West Ham. Below are his statistics per game in the Premier League.
| premier league statistics | |
|---|---|
| Big chances created per season | 6 |
| key passes | 0.2 |
| tackle | 0.5 |
| interception | 0.3 |
| possession won [final third] | 0,2 |
| ball retrieval | 2.1 |
In December 2024, the 29-year-old said he was happy And wanted to remain at West Ham. However, he expressed doubt in March 2025, and the English club ultimately decided against making his stay permanent.
Earlier this month, Soler revealed that his time at West Ham was not successful as it coincided with one of his worst seasons.
"My role at PSG and at West Ham was secondary. I was there for only one season, and it coincided with one of the club's worst seasons," He Said.
Differing opinions on West Ham spell
Friday edition of As Has published an interview with Carlos Soler. He gives a different perspective on how his time with West Ham helped him develop his game.
The Spaniard has scored four goals and provided two assists in 29 appearances so far for Real Sociedad. AS asked if they were talking to the same Carlos of Valencia in terms of form? And this is where he talks about West Ham.
"No, because Valencia's Soler was younger, less mature and less experienced. It is true that at my age, I was already one of the captains of the team. I had been an important player for several seasons," He said.
"I made the move to Paris. I stayed there for two years, then I moved to London and that helped me develop as a player. Maybe not in terms of playing time. This wasn't what I expected when I went to Paris or London, but by all means. Leaving the house, being alone with your partner, having different experiences. Being in other leagues, in other locker rooms has helped me a lot.
"This version, I don't know what to call it, 'Carlos Soler 3.0', has nothing to do with the first one at Valencia. I understand the comparisons in terms of statistics, minutes played, etc., but I honestly believe that the current version is a better version."
Solar contracts, prices and agent information
The Spaniard has signed a contract until 2029, with the option of a further year with the La Liga side and agency AS1 manages his future.
Although Soler's playing time has improved, his evaluation has not. transfermarket He was valued at €20m when he joined West Ham and will drop to €18m in May 2025.
Since joining La Real, it fell to €12m and then to €8m in December.
