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New ‘Keeper search could be bad news for Hammers

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I’m hoping this one is another ‘report’ that goes into next week’s junk box and stays there: But the report from TeamTalk is certainly ‘live’ and ‘current’ – I only hope it is ‘wrong’. The Saudi Public Investment Fund who have negotiated for both Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad had been trying to secure an agreement with Manchester City’s Brazilian Goalkeeper Ederson.

Talks, apparently failed to agree a deal thanks to Manchester City’s demands  (50 million euros) with both clubs now on the lookout for a new ‘keeper.

Al Ittihad are apparently interested in Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro plus Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak. But another name has now apparently on the shortlist – West Ham’s very own Alphonse Areola.

I take these reports very much with a pinch of salt but the negotiations carried out with Manchester City certainly seem to stack up: If Areola is shortlisted or the subject of an offer it will be a white knuckle ride to see if Al Ittihad can prise the West Ham number one away from the club.

Areola is on a contract until 2027 and so would not come cheap. Let us just hope Al Ittihad and the Saudi Public Investment Fund who back them don’t get to the stage of testing our owners’ resolve with a real offer… The goal keeping options would then be a bit scary without Areola.

Solely having veteran Fabianski and training keeper Foderingham would not be a tenable option for a side challenging the top six, so I’m banking on common sense and ‘hope’ that this rumour stays just that.

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From the old Bobby Moore Upper to the Billy Bonds' stand these days I've been watching since '03 and a supporter since about 1970.. Don't take my comments too seriously, imagine we are having a chat at half time over a pint at L S and "let's disagree without falling out".

7 comments

  • John Farley says:

    We should keep our best goalkeepers and not sell them, when is our new signings going to fit in.

  • Lance Marsh says:

    I still don’t understand why they brought in Foderingham.

  • Dave Sutton says:

    Blah! Blah! Blah! Blah! Blah!

    Nothing!!!!!!!!!!

  • Ian says:

    There’s no way we would go into the season with only Fabianski and Foderingham. So, IF Areola happens to be sold, and I doubt that there’s any truth at all in this story, he’ll be replaced. Stop panicking

  • KANE says:

    Former Real Madrid (1 app) and Barcelona (6 app)
    That means nothing in a world of people who wipe their butts every day and yet still have stains. 🙂

    However If a bid comes in for Areola, I’d be tempted to accept and try and get Kheller from Lpool or take a punt on ramsdale (loan with option/ obligation if criteria met)
    Although I feel Areola is the better of the 3 keepers currently and so unless offered enough to replace and profit 30+ its not worth accepting any offers if they come in. Imo COYI

  • Bonzo says:

    Well with Lopetegui being a former Barcelona and Real Madrid goalkeeper he ought to know what a good no1 goalkeeper looks like. So I’m confident if we do replace Areola we will have some good targets in mind.

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