West Ham United could now sanction Lukasz Fabianski exit amid links with Ajax ace
West Ham have been linked with Ajax goalkeeper Charlie Setford in a move that could well signal the end for Lukas Fabianski at London Stadium.
Setford has been a squad regular for the Dutch heavyweights over the past couple of seasons, but he has yet to make his senior debut.
According to TEAMtalk [29 November], United are keeping a close eye on the teenager’s development, as are Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
While not a great deal is known about England Under-18s international Setford, this development suggests the club are planning for the long term.
The Hammers are well stocked between the sticks, as Alphonse Areola is a more-than-capable number one, while Fabianski is a solid deputy.
Moyes brutally dropped Fabianski as his first-choice stopper heading into this season, with Areola getting the nod and justifying the Scotsman’s call.
The former Poland international is out of contract at the end of the campaign and it seems highly likely he will move on in the summer.
Despite turning 39 before the 2023-24 campaign concludes, Fabianski will no doubt feel he still has another season or two in him at a high level.
From a selfish point of view, persuading Fabianski to continue providing back-up to Areola would be a wise choice from West Ham’s perspective.
But signing Setford, or indeed another young goalkeeper, would be a smarter long-term choice.
As far as signings go, it is hard to find a better bargain than the £7million West Ham paid to land Fabianski in 2018.
The shot stopper has been a consistent presence for the Irons ever since, but it may well be that the club allow him to seek first-team football elsewhere in January.
Should that be the case, nobody will begrudge him a move elsewhere.
In other West Ham news, a pundit has suggested a Moyes favourite could further his career by leaving the Hammers.