West Ham in hunt to sign Brighton ace who’s ready to quit AMEX Stadium
West Ham United are anticipated to sanction a significant squad overhaul this summer as they look to improve on a frankly ghastly season.
Last summer looked to everyone as if it would be a turning point and a springboard for success, given the unprecedented level of spending which would take place under the guidance of Tim Steidten.
Fast-forward almost a year – Steidten is history at the London Stadium, so too is Julen Lopetegui, and Graham Potter is trying to eke out performances from a group of players who know nothing has been on the line for months.
West Ham take interest in English star wanted by Manchester United
West Ham are currently in an uncertain predicament regarding their goalkeepers, with Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski having shared the number one jersey throughout this season.
Areola has been linked with a potential exit, while Fabianski is now 40 and out of contract this summer.
Wes Foderingham was signed on a free transfer last summer as a backup option, but he is nearly halfway into a two-year contract and is yet to make his debut.
According to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook (24 April), West Ham are set to rival Manchester United for Brighton & Hove Albion stopper Carl Rushworth.
Rushworth, 23, has represented the England Under-21 side and is understood to be seeking an exit from Brighton due to coach Fabian Hurzeler’s preference for Mark Verbruggen in goal.
Brighton recalled the ‘keeper in January from a loan spell at Hull City but have still not found a place for him, and he featured in every Championship match last season in a loan stint with Swansea City.
Potter needs reinforcements and will hold board discussions
Potter will undoubtedly hold talks with the West Ham board at the end of the season over what this summer’s transfer window will look like.
The Hammers cannot risk a second successive year of a failed gung-ho approach, albeit having picked up a few gems who have performed well such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and – when he gets a run of games – Niclas Fullkrug.
Potter was bold in his admission this week that there is only a limited amount he can change this campaign, especially with West Ham having had very little to play for over the course of a few months.
| West Ham – first-team goalkeepers | Contract expiry |
| Alphonse Areola | 2027 |
| Lukasz Fabianski | 2025 |
| Wes Foderingham | 2026 |
Rushworth would not be a marquee signing, but would fill a useful homegrown spot in the squad and has youth international and EFL pedigree.
He can mature into a fine Premier League goalkeeper given the guidance, and would be an option not to go hard into the Irons’ summer budget.