Ranking West Ham’s three keeper options in the transfer window

The West Ham positivity looks to continue under David Moyes as he revamps his squad. Starting with the backup keeper, here are the top three targets ranked on skill and likelihood of them joining.

3rd: Asmir Begovic – Likelihood 7/10

The out-of-favor and out on loan Bournemouth keeper Asmir Begovic looks to be the fall-back plan for West Ham and David Moyes to replace Roberto as the backup keeper. The upside to signing Begovic at 32-years-old is that the deal would likely be a loan for six months and gives Moyes the option to decide on pursuing him further at the end of the season or move on to different targets.

Currently, Begovic is at Bournemouth after returning from a six-month loan spell with Qarabag Agdam, a team in the top division of Azerbaijan’s football system. This fall from grace could see Bournemouth want to cash in on him, and if that is the case, West Ham would be out. Not convinced on this option, but he’s much better than Roberto.

2nd: Darren Randolph – Likelihood 8/10

David Moyes’ return to East London has inspired another, with former keeper Darren Randolph the top keeper target for the Hammers in January. Two years on at Middlesbrough have been good for the Irish International as he has been their starting keeper over this stretch of time, after buying him from the Hammers for £5m in 2017.

This move could be contentious, because Randolph is 32, is playing internationally and regularly for Middlesbrough, and is believed to want a new deal should he return to the Hammers squad. Wages aren’t the problem here, it is the potential logjam of 30+ keepers the club would have on their books, blocking the way for impressive prospects Nathan Trott and Joseph Anang.

1st:  Neil Etheridge – Likelihood 5/10

The Cardiff City keeper is too good for the Championship and offers the Hammers a second chance to make the right decision for a backup keeper after missing out on Jonas Lossl in the Summer to Everton. Premier League experience is key, especially in a backup role, and the London-born Phillapino player has that, plus is only 29-years-old.

A deal for Etheridge looks to hinge upon Middlesbrough playing hardball on Randolph, and despite the Irishman’s desire to return to the Hammers, the team could be forced to move on to other targets like Etheridge. This would be a blessing in disguise. He’s experienced in English football and young enough to take over after Fabianski and bridge a season or two if needed before the kids are ready to come up.

The number of credible links and sources that support the stories of West Ham searching for a backup keeper verifies that Roberto is being moved on from and that Moyes is serious about increasing squad depth. Any of these three keepers would do the job for the Hammers, but why not show a little more ambition with Etheridge?