West Ham new transfer priority emerges after Man United events – ExWHUEmployee
West Ham United supporters aren’t exactly thrilled with their club’s transfer activity this summer.
West Ham have recruited El Hadji Malick Diouf, who has great potential, and Kyle Walker-Peters on a free, but there have been no additions to their attack.
Having only scored 46 Premier League goals last season, you’d think Graham Potter would be desperate to add some attacking flair this summer.
However, it has now emerged that he is prioritising recruitment in a new position after what happened in the recent friendly against Manchester United.
West Ham prioritise hunt for new goalkeeper after Areola horror show
Alphonse Areola was at fault for both goals as West Ham lost 2-1 to Manchester United in New Jersey on Saturday.
Early in the first half, the French stopper spilled a simple cross, then dove at the feet of Ayden Heaven to try and reclaim it, only to bring him down and concede a penalty. That was scored by Bruno Fernandes.
In the second half, one of Areola’s passes was intercepted by Manchester United and the ball was quickly shifted for Fernandes to score his second.
Now, ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way Podcast (29 July) says that signing a new goalkeeper is a “priority” for the club after what happened in that United game.
Parma and Japan number one Zion Suzuki is believed to be the main target, while Potter’s side also interested in Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen.
Areola needs to be replaced before Premier League season begins
West Ham’s pursuit of Suzuki and Hermansen had already been public.
It does nothing for a goalkeeper’s confidence when his manager is actively seeking to replace him, and that was demonstrated by Areola on Saturday.
Hammers fans have lost patience with their stopper as well, if the reaction to his performance on social media is anything to go by.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals conceded | Clean Sheets |
| 26 | 2259 | 41 | 4 |
Once your fans and your manager have lost faith, it’s tough for a goalkeeper to recover. Areola needs some time out of the limelight.
The problem is: West Ham have already released Lukasz Fabianski, so there’s no obvious candidate to step in and do a better job.
That’s why it’s crucial for Potter and his recruitment team to land one of their goalkeeping targets soon. In an ideal world, they’d get someone in before West Ham kick off their Premier League season.
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