WHZ View: West Ham need to invest in younger keeper after new Fabianski deal
West Ham number one Lukasz Fabianski has signed a new one year contract to keep him at the club until June 2022.
The Poland international has been a first-team regular since completing his move from Swansea City in 2018. He would have been out of contract at the end of the season, but joins Mark Noble in signing for another year.
Fabianski has been a bit hit at the London Stadium since making the move. He’s played 90 times for the club, keeping 22 clean sheets. He also won the Hammer of the Year award in his first season.
Speaking to the club website, he said: “I’m really pleased and really looking forward to continue to work hard and put in good performances for the club.
“I’m really enjoying it. I think it has been a really good move for me and since I came here I’ve felt very settled.”
Fantastic Fab
The big Pole is the best goalkeeper we’ve had at the club since Robert Green departed for QPR in 2012. This season he’s been outstanding again, keeping nine clean sheets as we continue to push for Europe.
He has rightfully been offered another year-long contract, which will take him to the age of 36 with the club. Having come under criticism when he progressed through the ranks at Arsenal, Fabianski has aged like a fine wine. He is an outstanding goalkeeper and we’ll do well to replace him once he winds down after next season.
A focus for the club must be to find a back-up keeper this summer, or even a new first choice. Whilst Fabianski is a fan favourite and maintains excellent standards, he’s had a bit of an injury record over the past few years. Last season he was out for three months with a hip injury, as we had to watch Roberto try to step in.
It’s been the same this season but not as drastic. A couple of times he’s missed out through injury, but back-up Darren Randolph has struggled with injuries of his own when called upon. David Martin shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the first team, not in the league anyway.
It’s an area that we must look to strengthen in the summer. Once Fabianski leaves at the end of his contract, we’ll need a long-term solution. Dean Henderson, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale are all names that have been linked. Henderson and Pope are fantastic options but would prove costly. Ramsdale is the cheaper alternative, but after back-to-back relegations, would we want him?
Fabianski proved his worth again on Monday evening. The number one made two excellent saves from Brazilian winger Raphinha as the Hammers won 2-0. He very nearly didn’t make the clash, passing a late fitness test to part-take.
In other West Ham news, McAvennie delivers his verdict on the future of Balbuena.