Pundit: Lukasz Fabianski and Angelo Ogbonna should not get new West Ham United contract
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 has told West Ham not to give two senior first-team players a new contract as it could block the pathway for youngsters to come through.
The Hammers have got several players out of contract at the end of the season, but are expected to hand them new deals to keep the squad together including goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and central defender Angelo Ogbonna.
But despite some good performances this season from both players, McAvennie doesn’t feel the club should be handing out new deals to players when it could block the path for young players to come through.
“I would think not,” he told West Ham Zone.
“Fabianski is a good keeper but can he do it week in and week out? He’s getting on.
“You look at some teams, and the best keepers in the league – Fabianski is not one of them.
“Ogbonna is a good player but I feel that we need to refuel and refresh the players.
“We can’t bring young players through like this.”
The West Ham youth team won the FA Youth Cup this season, while youngsters like Conor Coventry were sent out on loan this to get more regular football elsewhere.
Ogbonna and Fabianski have impressed this season but both are getting older now, and many fans wouldn’t be opposed to letting them move on to bring in some fresh faces and hand out new opportunities to players in the squad.
What better way to sign off than with a European Cup too.