Lukasz Fabianski exit speculated at West Ham United amid behind-scenes contract development
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie admits West Ham United may have to find a replacement for Lukasz Fabianksi very soon despite his recent contract extension.
The Evening Standard reported on 18 December that the club have triggered a one-year extension clause Fabianski’s contract which will see him remain in East London until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The Polish international has fallen down the pecking order at the club with Alphonse Areola now David Moyes’ first-choice keeper, starting just three games in the Premier League.
However, the Pole did start the Hammers’ last three games before Wednesday’s 5-1 defeat to Liverpool where he sat on the bench again.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Yeah, I think they’ll need a new keeper in soon.
“Listen, everyone’s time is up when it’s time up and I believe that is the case of Fabianski despite the contract decision.
“I don’t know who’s at fault but there’s been a leakage of goals recently, whether it’s the defenders all the goalkeeper but there’s not been that many goals put by West Ham United.
“It’s something David prides himself on, getting clean sheets and the fact that his teams don’t let too many goals in and that’s why he’s got away with it so much they’re good at what they do on the counter-attack.
“And he’ll not want to concede any more goals in the coming weeks which means Areola may need some quality competition but Fabianski’s time may be up and they may have to start looking at replacements.”
As he has shown with a clean sheet against Wolves and some top performances in the Europa League and League Cup, the Polish shot-stopper still represents a reliable figure and a strong option to be called upon when West Ham need him.
However, he won’t be able to play 38 games a season anymore and may not be at the required quality to compete at the elite and highest level.
That could have damaging repercussions for number one Areola who will need quality competition to stay on form and on his toes so the need to address the upcoming space behind him certainly needs to be filled.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has made a prediction over Kudus’ future after what he saw last weekend.