Which Contract Expiring West Ham Players Should Get A New Deal

As the January transfer window fast approaches some West Ham players with expiring contracts could be in line for a new deal.

Currently, at West Ham, there are six players whos contracts at the club are set to expire at the end of the 2020/21 season. Players with less than six months on their contracts are free to discuss deals with other teams and could leave the Hammers for free in the summer.

Antonio – New Deal

The star man at the moment will surely be offered a new deal. Michail Antonio has scored eleven goals in his last fourteen Premier League games and was arguably the reason the club escaped relegation last season.

The club will have to be careful what exactly they offer Antonio. The striker has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons and has only just returned to action after a month on the sidelines. The club will not want to offer Antonio a five-year deal with high wages if the player spends the majority of that time on the treatment table.

Antonio has, of course, proved his worthiness of a new deal with his goals in recent times. The 30-year-old is deserving of a new two-year-deal with a pay-rise with an option for a further two-years. This sort of deal would suit all parties.

Snodgrass – Release

Robert Snodgrass, West Ham. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

Robert Snodgrass has been a good servant for the Hammers during his time at the club. The Scot has proved to be a brilliant impact player and squad member. Snodgrass is always capable of a bit of magic with his ability to shoot from range and his superb delivery.

At the age of 33-years-old, however, it should be time the midfielder is moved on from the club’s wage list. Snodgrass will not bring in a record fee if he is sold after signing a new deal and is unlikely to break into the side from next season.

The club should be looking to bring more youth into the team. Sadly for Snodgrass, he is one of the oldest players in the squad. The Scots current role does not justify blocking a youngsters progression to the first team. A fairytale move back to Celtic would be great for Snodgrass to finish his career.

Balbuena – New Deal

Not too long ago Fabian Balbuena arguably could have been on the release list but not now. The centre-back has re-discovered the form that he first showed when he joined West Ham. Balbuena has formed a solid partnership with Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell in David. Moyes’ new defensive system.

Only 29-years-old, Balbuena has plenty of time left in his career as a defender, just look at Ogbonna. The Paraguayan should be rewarded for his performances with a deal similar to Antonio. At least that way even if Balbuena is replaced the club could still. sell the defender for a decent sum.

Fabianski – New Deal

Lukasz Fabianksi might be the oldest player in the first-team but he should be going nowhere just yet. The Polish goalkeeper did have some question marks over his abilities towards the end of last season. This season, however, Fabianski looks to be getting back to his best.

Current youth options Nathan Trott and Joseph Anang are rated highly by the club. The duo though are still too young to be relied on consistently in the Premier League. Fabianski would be a reliable number one for the next two seasons at least.

Should Fabianski continue at his level for the next two seasons, it will allow the youngsters more time to develop. So when the veteran goalie decides to retire Trott and Anang are ready to replace him.

Martin – Release

David Martin has given Hammers fans one of the purest footballing memories after his Man of the Match performance against Chelsea last season. But of course, this was due to the hopelessness of Roberto. Martin was signed as training ground keeper and was never really expected to play.

Despite Martin’s heroics last season, Darren Randolph was signed in January and he is back down the pecking order. Martin could find his time at West Ham over as a player, but it would not be surprising to see him kept on as a keeping coach.

Noble – Whatever He Wants

Mark Noble is a present-day legend at West Ham and he should be given the option of extending his playing career with the club. The club-captain will be under no illusions that he is guaranteed to play, especially with the form of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

Noble would not be likely to play but would still be a fantastic option off the bench when the club needs some added steel. Plus with the current restrictions on fans going into the ground, it would be a shame to see the icon bow out in front of a reduced crowd.

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If Noble, however, decides to call it a day then it would be completely understandable. The 33-year-old will always have a place at the club. It would come as no surprise to see Noble joining Kevin Nolan as part of the coaching staff with one eye on the manager’s job in the future.

Which West Ham Players Should Get A New Deal

By Henry Tomlinson | Dec 1, 2020