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Lukasz Fabianski contract extension could ‘hasten’ £40m-valued Alphonse Areola’s West Ham United exit
A new contract for West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could “hasten” the departure of fellow shot-stopper Alphonse Areola, according to Claret and Hugh.
Number one Fabianski has been linked with a new deal in recent times [Football Insider], with the 37-year-old impressing manager David Moyes.
But the extension could lead to back-up Areola leaving the London Stadium in search of regular first-team football elsewhere.
“Areola has been unable to shift the 37-year-old former Polish international from automatic selection for almost two years despite his reputation,” according to Claret and Hugh.
“Including loan fees, West Ham have spent £11m bringing Areola to the London Stadium and the total financial liability including wages could exceed £40m if he completes the full term of his contract.
“Whilst the new deal for Fabianski might be excellent news for the player and club, it may well hasten Areola’s departure.”
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Mixed news
An extension for veteran shot-stopper Fabianski would not only be well-deserved, but also fantastic news for Hammers fans, with the number one key to their superb results in recent seasons.
The goalkeeper has overcome the odds to continue between the sticks, recently returning to the starting XI following his facial injury to superb effect.
But the other side of the coin is the potential departure of Areola, who would need to be playing regularly in order to fight for a spot for the France national team.
The 30-year-old has impressed when given the chance by Moyes, with the former PSG man playing every minute of the club’s successful Europa Conference League venture.
Seven years younger than Fabianski, Areola could look to his elder for some inspiration and take over from the Pole when he eventually calls time on his career.
The France international would then be the undisputed number one at West Ham, but it remains to be seen how long he is willing to wait for that role.