West Ham Should Start Looking For Lukasz Fabianski Replacements

West Ham United are at a crossroads with many outfield positions, however, in goal, the Hammers are safe in the hands of Lukasz Fabianski. The Polish shot-stopper has been one of the best signings the club have made since the move to the London Stadium.

Since arriving from relegated Swansea City in 2018 for £7million Fabianski been solid between the sticks. The Polish goalkeeper has constantly led the most saves made in the Premier League. Fabianski has rightly earned the title as one of the best keepers in England, rightly riding of his old nickname “Flappyhandski”.

The 35-year-old has become a cult hero for West Ham and quite rightly been the club’s undisputed number one. Despite this success, it could be time for the club to prepare a replacement. Fabianski has started to make the occasional costly mistake, as seen in the Liverpool match which saw the club drop important points.

With mistakes starting to happen it has highlighted the Fabianski’s age and that he could start to think about hanging up the gloves altogether. Ideally, West Ham fans would love for him to cut out the mistakes and play on until his forties like legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. We do not live in an ideal world though, and the club needs to have contingency plans in place.

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There are three other senior goalkeepers at West Ham, but none are likely to be given the responsibility of the number one shirt for the long-term future. Darren Randolph had to be brought back to the club as back-up for Fabianski after the calamitous spells of Roberto and distrust of David Martin.

At West Ham, two promising young goalkeepers could take up the mantle when Fabianski decides to call it a day. Joseph Anang and Nathan Trott are both promising youngsters and have both received caps from the England U20 set-up. Nineteen and Twenty-one respectively they both have plenty of time to develop their skills and become top keepers in for the future.

Nathan Trott has more experience than Anang and would be next in line for the full-time job. Trott has had a very successful loan spell at AFC Wimbledon this season. The Englishman has only conceded 32 goals in 23 games keeping 4 clean sheets for the League One side becoming one of the best in the league.

Trott has shown on a good level that he has the potential to be Premier League quality goalkeeper for West Ham. Being a starting number one goalkeeper in the Premier League could be too much pressure for Trott’s young shoulders. Trott could benefit from another couple seasons out on loan before he makes the jump.

This mixture of back-up keepers at the club leaves a space for a clear replacement for Fabianski. There are two clear options for West Ham to start scouting and thinking about signing to bridge the gap. Sam Johnstone at West Brom and Dean Henderson at Sheffield United should be high up the club’s radar.

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Johnstone has had a great season at The Hawthorns and been key to their promotion push. The 27-year-old has only conceded 37 goals in 37 appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets becoming one of the Championship’s best goalkeepers in the process.

If the Coronavirus pandemic does lead to the season being null and void, then the Hammers should look buy him if the Baggies are denied promotion. Currently valued at under £5million on Transfermarkt.com then the former Manchester United graduate could be a bargain as good as Fabianski.

Henderson would be a much pricier option however; he is currently valued at over £13 million on Transfermarkt.com and United would want a much bigger fee for the youngster. The Englishman has had an amazing season on loan at Sheffield United. The form of the 23-year-old has seen him be called the replacement for David De Gea at his parent club Manchester United. The Hammers could hope to pounce however, as United might find it hard to shift De Gea due to his enormous contract.

Henderson deserves to be playing first-team football and West Ham could offer him that if he is signed when Fabianski leaves the club. The Hammers would have to battle Sheffield United for his signature. The Hammers should be able to offer him better wages than the midlands club which could tempt him down south.

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Fabianski has been and will continue to be a fantastic servant for the club, but there will be a time when the fans can’t rely on the trusty Pole. When that time comes it would be good to know that the club is prepared and have identified their new Number One.