West Ham Keeper Crisis Raises Emergency Loan Questions

With Finlay Herrick reportedly injured and no update yet on the return of Alphonse Areola, West Ham’s goalkeeping department is suddenly looking alarmingly thin. As Gonzo noted earlier, Mads Hermansen is currently the only fit senior goalkeeper available to Nuno ahead of the Hammers’ return to Championship action.
The situation has inevitably sparked discussion among supporters about whether West Ham could turn to the emergency loan market should their goalkeeping problems worsen.

West Ham Emergency Goalkeeper Loan Rules

As an EFL club, West Ham can apply for an emergency goalkeeper loan outside of the transfer window, but the regulations are very specific. The rule exists to protect clubs who find themselves without an available professional goalkeeper due to injury, suspension or international duty.
The key point, however, is the definition of an “available professional goalkeeper”. Under EFL regulations, a professional goalkeeper is generally regarded as one who has started five or more first-team league or cup matches. If a club has no such goalkeeper available, they can seek approval for an emergency loan, typically on a seven-day basis which can then be renewed if necessary.
At present, though, West Ham would be unlikely to qualify. As long as Hermansen remains fit and available for selection, the Hammers still have an available professional goalkeeper and therefore would not normally meet the criteria for an emergency loan signing.

Nuno Left Walking A Fine Line

That leaves the club walking a fine line. With West Ham’s next fixture not until 9th October, there is still time for either Areola or Herrick to recover and ease concerns. But should neither be ready, Nuno may find himself heading into the QPR clash with just one senior goalkeeper at his disposal.
In that scenario, West Ham could be forced to name one of the club’s younger academy keepers on the bench, a situation nobody at Rush Green will be hoping to test unless absolutely necessary.
For now, all eyes will be on the fitness updates over the coming days, with the hope that at least one of Areola or Herrick is able to return before the Hammers’ goalkeeping situation develops into a genuine emergency.