Luton to open door for West Ham United to seal brand new transfer already
Carlton Palmer believes Luton Town will be keen to move Tim Krul out of Kenilworth Road amid transfer interest from West Ham this summer.
According to Alan Nixon [16 June], the Hammers are eyeing a shock move for the 36-year-old shot-stopper, with Julen Lopetegui seeing him as a potential solution to the club’s third-choice ‘keeper problems.
The 36-year-old has made just six appearances for the Hatters since arriving from Norwich City last summer, and Palmer believes the now-Championship club would be open to a move.
Speaking via Football League World on Tuesday (18 June), he said: “The 36-year-old has only made, last season, appearances in the domestic cup competitions.
“Krul signed for Luton Town in the summer of 2023 as back-up to Thomas Kaminksi, and he could face a situation if he stays at Kenilworth Road where he will be in a quartet of goalkeepers competing for action.
“I’d imagine, if not sold in the summer, Thomas Kaminski will be the first choice with Tim Krul, James Shea and Jack Walton vying for action. So it’ll be interesting to see.
“It’s unknown the length of Krul’s contract, but I can imagine if there’s genuine interest from West Ham, then Luton will be interested in moving the goalkeeper along.”
West Ham United to target Tim Krul on free transfer
Given Krul’s credentials at club level, and even on the international stage, it would not be a bad addition to the squad at the London Stadium, especially if his contract is ticking down.
However, if the Dutchman is coming in search of minutes on the pitch, he might be sorely disappointed. Alphonse Areola is bound to be the first-choice goalkeeper heading into next season, with Lukasz Fabianski likely the backup.
Areola has even received praise from international teammate Kylian Mbappe, having been one of the better players during the Hammers rollercoaster of a 2023/24 campaign. [Ouest-France]
Of course, Krul would add plenty of experience and wisdom to the dressing room and would be able to teach the younger players a lot, especially when it comes to tactics.
He will forever be remembered for his penalty shootout antics during Norwich’s win over Tottenham in the 2020 FA Cup, checking the notes on his bottle for which way the Spurs players would be shooting.
Those days are most likely behind him now, though, and he may need to settle for a third-choice ‘keeper role under Lopetegui if he is to join the Irons this summer.
In other West Ham news, contract details have emerged as the club agreed a transfer deal with FC Copenhagen for Nathan Trott.
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