Report: Fabian Balbuena set to leave West Ham this summer
Ex-West Ham employee has confirmed that defender Fabian Balbuena is set to leave the club this summer.
The 29-year-old’s contract at the London Stadium will expire at the end of June, and the club have reportedly made their mind up about the player’s future.
Releasing players would free up some of the payroll budget as David Moyes will be expecting a busy summer at the club both in terms of incomings and outgoings.
One player that is expected to be on his way out is Balbuena. Speaking on his podcast The West Ham Way, the West Ham insider confirmed this news.
He said, “Balbuena and David Martin haven’t renewed their contacts yet and their contracts are up in the summer. As far as I’m aware, a decision has been made not to keep them on unless something changes in the last minute.”
Balbuena took to Instagram to thank his teammates in what appeared to be a farewell message.
Good move
At 29, Balbuena wasn’t getting any younger so it makes sense for us to part ways with him. He’s been a good servant of this football club and has already found a special place in the hearts of a number of Hammers fans.
That said, in terms of footballing ability, we certainly need a centre-back that’s an upgrade on Craig Dawson and Issa Diop. We’ve got the funds to spend this summer and more could come in should we sell Declan Rice, so it’s important that we get this one right.
Even if we don’t sign anyone, Moyes could turn to the players coming through the ranks at the London Stadium. The likes of Jamal Baptiste, Frederik Alves, Aji Alese, Joseph Anang and Nathan Trott are all in line for first-team games and depending on their pre-season performances could be tried at different stages of next season.
However, Moyes has proven that if given the reins, he is capable of making the right decision and we trust him to help this side finish in the top six once again.
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