Pundit calls for West Ham United to drop and replace Lukasz Fabianski next season
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…
West Ham United should sign a new first-choice goalkeeper and drop Lukasz Fabianski to a back-up role in the new season, according to Frank McAvennie.
The Polish shot stopper was the number one goalkeeper for the Hammers last season, missing just one Premier League game through illness across the entire season and has been rewarded with a new one-year deal at the club.
But with talks of Alphonse Areola’s loan move turning permanent or another keeper joining the club, McAvennie believes that the Pole’s new deal makes sense but he should be the backup goalkeeper next season instead.
“I think so,” he told West Ham Zone.
“Fabianski has done brilliant. I do think we need some back up centre-halves and I think they’ll bring them in.
“They need to bring in a number one. Fabianski has been great, but I think a number one should come in and Fabianski should back him up.
“I think you’ve got to look, and I wouldn’t be too disappointed to get in the boy from Burnley [Nick Pope].”
It seems like a harsh call to leave Fabianski out of the team after he did so well in the 2021/22 season, but there is no room for sentiment in this game.
If the club are in a position to improve their goalkeeping position, whether it’s a priority position or not, it should be taken and Pope would be an excellent option.
Areola seems to be the preferred option right now, which would suggest no change in Fabianski’s standing as the number one, but never say never.
In other West Ham news, a pundit has questioned if one West Ham ace is good enough to make a move after major transfer news
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.