David Martin set to leave West Ham as David Moyes eyes replacement
West Ham goalkeeper David Martin is set to leave the club this summer, according to The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas.
Martin, 35, signed a two-year contract with Irons in 2019 at the beginning of Manuel Pellegrini’s second season in East London.
He arrived from Millwall on a free transfer and went on to make five Premier League appearances in the 2019/20 campaign after Lukasz Fabianski picked up an injury, while second-choice stopper Roberto was dropped due to his poor form.
However, Martin failed to make an appearance under David Moyes last season as the Irons finished sixth, though he was named on the bench a number of times.
Writing on The Athletic website, Thomas claims his departure will lead to Moyes signing a new goalkeeper.
He said: “It is believed David Martin will be released when his contract expires at the end of the season, so Moyes will need to sign a goalkeeper who will provide competition to Lukasz Fabianski.
“Darren Randolph has been a good understudy but he is 34, while Fabianski recently turned 36. It is likely Nathan Trott will go out on loan so Moyes could explore signing an experienced keeper.”
Brief saviour
Who can forget Martin’s heroics in our 1-0 win against Chelsea in November 2019?
It was his debut and what a way to introduce himself to the Irons faithful it was.
His dad, Alvin, was a legend at the club during his lengthy spell at the club between 1974-1996, making over 400 appearances and featuring 17 times for England.
His son may have had a less storied playing career but he certainly made his mark during his brief run in the side.
Spanish goalkeeper Roberto was chucking in goals left, right and centre with Fabianski on the sidelines, and we needed someone to step up and stop the leakage.
Martin provided a more reliable presence in goal but inevitably he stepped aside to allow Fabianski to make his way back into the team, while Randolph’s return the following January also pushed him further into the background.
But he will depart knowing he made a contribution to the club.
Now Moyes must turn his attention to finding a replacement for Martin, either someone content with playing the role of reserve goalkeeper, or a first-team challenger for Fabianski.
In other West Ham news, Irons plot swoop for ‘Sensational’ defender admired by Jurgen Klopp.
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