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Three Perfect Replacements For West Ham’s Veteran Goalkeeper

By Henry Tomlinson

Lukasz Fabianski, West Ham. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Lukasz Fabianski, West Ham. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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Alphonse Areola, Fulham.
Alphonse Areola, Fulham. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Alphonse Areola

Currently, on loan to Premier League strugglers Fulham, Alphonse Areola has been a bright spark of Scott Parker’s side. The goalkeeper has made some incredible saves for the West London side, arguably keeping him in the relegation battle rather than languishing with Sheffield United.

Areola has managed to keep eight clean sheets this season, the same as Lukasz Fabianski. What makes this stat even more impressive is that the french stopper has been playing behind a completely unfamiliar backline until this season.

While succeeding at Fulham, Areola has rebuilt his reputation, which had fallen over the last couple of years due to no fault of his own. The keeper, who came through the PSG academy, has spent most of his career out on loan and being stuck as a back-up. Areola has been number two to world-class keepers such as Gianluigi Buffon, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin Trapp.

Alphonse Areola has played for both Real Madrid and PSG as well as the French national team and could be a good option for West Ham.

While he has always impressed on loan when he has been the first choice, he has never been able to breakthrough at PSG for a sustained period. Areola has made 107 appearances for the French giants, keeping 53 clean sheets and only allowing 87 goals in the process. For the Cottagers, Areola’s stats are still impressive.

Considering the 27-year-old has swapped the best team in Ligue 1 for relegation candidates, he has done himself a lot of justice. Areola has only conceded 29 goals in 25 games, an excellent return. Areola also put in two excellent performances against the Hammers in the Premier League.

Unwanted in France, and if Fulham do get relegated, Areola could be available for a reasonable fee, especially compared to the £40 million required for Henderson. The Parisian is still young for a goalkeeper and could give the Hammers a solid eight years of service. The only issue is if the Cottagers survive, they will likely take up their option to buy the keeper.

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