When West Ham got Joe Hart in the summer most fans were happy. However there were two people who were obviously not.
West Ham started the pre- season with two keepers who were fighting for the No.1 spot. Both Darren Randolph and Adrian had spent time as the first choice keeper last season, but when Joe Hart was signed that went out the window. Randolph even admitted it was a race between the two to get out.
For Randolph it worked out well, and he’s kept his place in the Ireland squad. However Adrian is still the Hammers’ Cup keeper, and that’s not enough for the Spaniard. If he gets his way, he’ll be leaving the club soon.
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Playing Second Fiddle
With second keepers, it’s a hard role to fill. Unless you are one of the top clubs keeping two decent keepers happy is hard. As such most clubs’ have a ‘cup’ keeper who is either at the start or end of their career. This secondary role allows them to play matches above the level they would do regularly. However for Adrian, at 30 years old, that’s not enough.
He took umbrage with owner Sullivan on twitter when Hart was signed, and it seems as though that was just the start.
Thanks for your sincerity! But you still having "two great professionals" respecting,fighting & defending this badge⚒ https://t.co/mISuWCx6Bm
— Adrián San Miguel (@AdriSanMiguel) July 19, 2017
He has now told Radio Marca that he is willing to fight for a spot in the Spanish national team, but it means that he cannot stay at the club. Whilst Hart is playing and keeping consistently, he won’t be dropped. Will he head off in January?
Well if the club can find a replacement, I think yes. He is ambitious and will look to force a move, and the Hammers are probably missing a young keeper who is capable of playing top Championship or similar level. Youth keeper Nathan Trott, whilst talented, is not yet equipped to deal with the Premier League game.
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Whilst one is rarely needed, a backup keeper is essential. But Adrian is likely to be off as soon as a player who can replace him is found. It will be sad to see such a charismatic player leave, but it is almost inevitable now.