(Credit: Imago)

James Barker

Wed 1 April 2026 7:10, UK

Alphonse Areola is likely to be in goal for West Ham United against Leeds United in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, and that might be his final Hammers appearance.

The 33-year-old saw his role as West Ham’s number one goalkeeper go in late January of this year, after a string of inconsistent performances.

However, the five-cap French international cuts a divisive figure among Hammers supporters, as some feel he’s been unfairly stripped of his starting role at the London Stadium.

Either way, Mads Hermansen has stepped up and has been largely impressive in between the sticks over recent weeks, and now looks likely to keep the number one shirt moving forward.

As such, Areola has now resorted to being the backup and the cup keeper, meaning he’s in line to start when West Ham take on Leeds in the FA Cup quarter-finals this Sunday.

Alphonse Areola could seal his West Ham fate against Leeds

West Ham have been tipped to sell either Areola or Hermansen in the upcoming summer transfer window, with changes set to befall the Hammers’ goalkeeping ranks in the near future.

However, given that Hermansen has now taken the starting gloves in impressive fashion, the odds are now surely stacked against Areola to remain in E20 beyond this summer.

But, he might still have at least one final chance to show West Ham’s decision-makers that they’d be making the wrong one by moving him on at the end of the season.

That should arrive on Sunday, as Nuno Espirito Santo has given him the nod in the previous two rounds of the FA Cup against Brentford and Burton Albion respectively.

Should West Ham lose to Daniel Farke’s side, then unless Hermansen picks up an injury or suspension, then he’s sure to remain in goal for the final seven Premier League games.

Areola could very well be playing his final minutes in a West Ham shirt on Sunday, which would mark a sad end to what has been an up and down five years with the Club.

West Ham will owe plenty to Areola if they avoid relegation

So, whilst it’s currently Hermansen’s name in the spotlight in between the sticks for West Ham, and even if it’s him taking the acclaim for his role in the team’s potential survival against relegation, Areola’s part shouldn’t be forgotten.

Indeed, he was vital to West Ham’s massive 2-1 win against Tottenham back in January, making a number of important saves that night as Spurs flung over 21 shots at his goal.

He was also a huge part of the points picked up against the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth, Man United and Everton respectively.

Mistakes have been made, yes, but he’s also pulled off some genuinely world-class saves this season too, and so if he is sent on his way this summer, it should be with flowers in hand.