credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 27 March 2025 10:50, UK

West Ham haven’t been able to rely on Alphonse Areola in goal this season.

The France international had been a typically sturdy operator under David Moyes as he played a key role in the Conference League win.

In the past two campaigns, the 32-year-old keeper has seen his minutes reduced as Lukas Fabianski has been trusted ahead of him.

With the latest contract update emerging at the London Stadium, this share of minutes may only get worse for Areola moving forward.

Lanre Awesu could replace Areola after new contract

After keeping just five Premier League clean sheets so far this year, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a new keeper option was assessed in East London.

This has seen Aaron Ramsdale be linked with a move from Southampton to the Hammers, but instead, Graham Potter could look closer to home.

Awesu looks set to sign his first professional contract at the London Stadium, which will come into effect on Monday (31 March) [ExWHUEmployee].

The 17-year-old Englishman is highly rated by the Irons, and that could serve him well moving into the summer and the new season.

This may not represent positive news for Areola, who could be shown the exit door to accommodate the teenager in the first team.

Areola could face West Ham exit

Under Potter, the Hammers will be keen to hit a new level during his first full year in charge, and that could start with a new number one.

It isn’t a good look for the E20 club that a near-40 Fabianski has started as many games as he has but there has been good reason for that.

Areola hasn’t shown his best form for a while and could benefit from a move away from the Premier League to rediscover his ability.

This could see a new keeper come in to work behind Max Kilman and Co. in the back line at the London Stadium.

It will be interesting to see if that goes on to be Awesu in the coming months and years, given how highly rated he is among the hierarchy at the London Stadium.