The East London club, adjusting to life in the second tier after last season’s relegation, have identified the 31-year-old target man as a key figure to lead an immediate return to the Premier League.
After a series of disciplinary issues, culminating in a red card during a heated derby against Sparta Prague, Slavia boss Jaroslav Tvrdik publicly declared that the striker had played his final match for the club.
Slavia owner Pavel Tykac had initially hoped to resolve the situation given Chory’s importance on the pitch, as shown by his 17 goals in 30 appearances last season.
West Ham’s ownership structure strengthens the administrative ties between the two clubs. Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire and interim majority shareholder at London Stadium, also owns Slavia’s arch-rivals Sparta Prague.
With key players like Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen staying to anchor the squad, Kretinsky and the Hammers’ hierarchy see Chory as an ideal, low-cost focal point to fill the void left by outgoing striker Callum Wilson.
Standing at 1.99 metres (6 ft 6 in), Chory offers immense physical presence, strong hold-up play, and proven aerial dominance.
The Czech Republic international spent the summer in North America at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making two appearances off the bench.
Currently training separately from Slavia’s main squad, Chory is already suspended for the opening match of the Czech First League season on Sunday.