Two Hammers Now Looking Over Their Shoulders

Multiple sources have confirmed the Hammers’ recruitment team is about to spring into action in January – indeed, scouts have already been to Germany to report on the progress on one 22 year old who’s strongly being linked with a January bid by Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham..

Although 22 is young for a goalkeeper, Gonzo’s article from Tuesday and more reports yesterday (football-talk.co.uk) and from Fabrizio Romano would indicate that West Ham are carrying out their due diligence for Freiburg Goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. Footballtalk sum it up nicely: “West Ham’s primary goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has spent six years at the club and has been one of the league’s best shot-stoppers in that time. However, the former Polish international is aged 39 and does not have too many years in the tank. Likewise, Alphonse Areola is also past 30 and has not proven reliable as far as being a first-choice option is considered”

And it makes for interesting discussion – which Hammers goalkeeper is Atubolu coming in to replace? Clearly there are enough ‘third choice’ options already at London Stadium with Wes Foderingham and Fin Herrick . After Fabianski’s recent performances it would seem likely that he’d be given a contract extension when his deal finishes in the Summer and Atubolu would replace Alphonse Areola who has been out of favour with head coach Lopetegui for several weeks after a couple of poor showings. The 31 year old is likely to achieve a £10 million price if the Hammers deem him surplus to requirements as I don’t expect all three to remain in situ.

Areola has been dropping out of favour with the French national side too, becoming their third choice regular bench-sitter. Whichever route West Ham go down, pleased to see some proactivity in the planning for succession rather than just getting to next summer and panicking as has been the norm! We’ll reserve judgement until Atubolu’s signature is actually put on a West Ham contract.