From last week’s Claret and Hugh article “West Ham v Bournemouth | Regular’s inconsistency makes summer spend essential” we suggested that the inconsistency of the Hammers’ front line goalkeeper had led to the likelihood that Alphonse Areola would be replaced- or at the very least find himself with a top-level competitor again for the gloves.
The glaring error against Bournemouth and Areola’s patchy form this season has made adding a top level goalkeeper to the squad a priority for the summer rebuild.
Confirmation today via ‘in the know’ ex-whu employee came with corroboration of what we suggested last week, that the Hammers plan to recruit a new shot stopper and that West Ham rate Burnley’s James Trafford highly.
It is reassuring to note the lack of ‘news’ surrounding the previously-West Ham linked Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.
As ‘Ex’ confirms on the westhamway.com , much will depend on the outcome of Burnley’s promotion push from the Championship-West Ham are likely to mount a serious campaign to land Trafford if Burnley fail in their promotion push.
Finally it seems West Ham have realised the trio of Areola, Fabianski – who is out of contract next month- and Foderingham are not of the required quality for a Premier League club harbouring aspirations for next season.
Should the Hammers be unable to tempt Trafford to leave a newly- promoted Burnley side, back in December the Hammers were linked with Freiberg’s Noah Atobalu who at €15 million (transfermarkt.com) would be a viable young alternative if they can prise him away from the Bundesliga.
We’ve got to be ruthless for a change. All the out of contract older players should be released with no excemptions . That would save an absolute fortune in wages . And the likes of Potts earthy and marshall being given a chance to prove their worth .
I have been saying since last season we need a better keeper. Both Areola and Fabs unfortunately have errors in them which have cost us matches. Areola makes some great saves but is not good at demanding his area Fabs likewise.
Goal XG suggests Areola has let in 8 more goals than an average goalkeeper . The same metric suggests that Fab is on par . Worth an extension for Fab and probable first choice again for him with Areola as back up . Realistically Westham have bigger fish to fry with striker , midfield and defensive issues that will swallow all the money and some .