Alphonse Areola looks set for West Ham exit after new developments at London Stadium
Alphonse Areola’s time at West Ham United could be coming to an end.
Areola initially joined the Hammers on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021, with the move becoming permanent at the end of that season.
The 32-year-old has made 83 Premier League appearances during his four and a half years at London Stadium, and has been a regular starter since the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign.
Mads Hermansen replaced Areola at the start of this season, following his move from Leicester City, but the Frenchman quickly found his way back into the team.
However, he could now be set for another spell on the sidelines, which may even end with his departure from West Ham.
Alphonse Areola dropped for Mads Hermansen
West Ham beat Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon, a result which moves them within just three points of Premier League safety.
Crysencio Summerville put the Hammers ahead early on, dinking the ball over Martin Dubravka to score his fifth goal in five games across all competitions.
Taty Castellanos added a second midway through the first half, heading El Hadji Malick Diouf’s cross into the back of the net.
Burnley threatened in the second period, but were unable to find a way through.
However, it wasn’t Areola who picked up the clean sheet for West Ham, as Nuno Espirito Santo decided to drop him to the bench for the trip to Turf Moor and replace him with Hermansen.
The Dane, who hadn’t started a Premier League game since the middle of September, made five saves against Burnley, in what was a very assured display.
Alphonse Areola destined for summer departure
After being dropped for Hermansen, Areola could now be set to leave West Ham at the end of the season.
The Frenchman is still yet to pick up a single clean sheet this term, with Hermansen adding a second with the shutout against Burnley.
Areola has been linked with a West Ham exit over the last few months, and the Hammers were in the market for a new goalkeeper during the winter window.
By the summer, the veteran shot-stopper will have just one year left on his contract, and the East London side may decide it is time to cash in.