West Ham have nine first team players out of contract when the current season finishes.
With six months remaining on their deals, it’s time for West Ham to make a decision on whether to keep these players or not.
Let’s run through the nine players in question and give a verdict on what David Moyes should decide to do.
West Ham have nine first team players whose contracts expire this summer. What decision should David Moyes make on them – stay or go?
Alphonse Areola
The French goalkeeper is currently second choice behind Lukasz Fabianski having joined on loan from PSG. It is believed West Ham have the option to make the signing of Areola a permanent deal and this is what the Hammers should do. The 28-years-old shot stopper and has a wealth of experience including impressing as a number one in the Premier League for Fulham last season. With Fabianski ageing Areola should be the next West Ham number one. His performances in the Europa League and Carabao Cup, notably in the win over Man City on penalties, has made him popular amongst fans. KEEP
Lukasz Fabianski
The 36-year-old remains the number one despite strong competition via Areola. Fabianski has made some exceptional saves this year but his ability to deal with crosses and notably his kicking has drawn some criticism. The former Poland international revealed in an interview in October he has ambitions to play to the age of 40 and that he was in talks with West Ham over a contract extension. I think he should stay but it might be time to for a switch next season – hand the first choice gloves to Areola who is in his peak. KEEP
David Martin
Who can forget that memorable clean sheet versus Chelsea. His West Ham career has already certainly hit the high point for Martin but he remains a useful part of the squad mentoring the younger goalkeepers. He shouldn’t really play again but his role shouldn’t be underestimated. KEEP (for mentoring role only)
Ben Johnson
The full-back is getting better and better and provides versatility which is very useful with Aaron Cresswell out injured and Arthur Masuaku not being entirely convincing defensively. West Ham are believed to be keen on the academy graduate staying as is Johnson himself. It’s a no brainer. KEEP
Ryan Fredericks
With Ben Johnson and Harrison Ashby coming out of the academy and showing signs of real promise it’s time for Fredericks to move on. Vladimir Coufal is the first choice right-back and has been a consistent performer throughout his time at West Ham. There is no doubting Fredericks’ ability, at times under Moyes he has performed well but injury problems have prevented him nailing down the right-back position. He could leave in January. LEAVE
Angelo Ogbonna
The Italian has been fantastic in defence for a number of years and has to be one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League. Ogbonna was just forming a solid partnership with Kurt Zouma when he picked up an ACL injury that could leave him out for the rest of the season. A new centre-back is needed however, a deal is supposedly on the table for Ogbonna and on his return he can still be a capable back-up despite his age. KEEP
Alex Kral
Life at the London Stadium for the Czech midfielder hasn’t really got going, you can read more about what kind of player he is here as we haven’t seen much of him. Kral seems a little wasteful on the ball but certainly effective out of possession via tackling and pressuring the opposition. Moyes normally integrates players in slowly, he needs a big second half of the season because as of yet we haven’t seen enough to even judge. NEEDS MORE TIME
Mark Noble
The club captain and West Ham legend is retiring. It’s going to be an emotional goodbye but I’m sure he will remain at the club in some capacity, he is believed to have a big influence over the young players and he could perhaps work in the academy. He has performed well in Europa League matches this season which makes his retirement harder to come to terms with. RETIRING
Andriy Yarmolenko
It’s surely time for the Ukrainian winger to leave. Injuries have ruined his time at West Ham despite showing brief moments of quality and being a useful squad player to get us through the Europa League group stage. However, he has been deemed lazy by some fans. He could be kept for squad depth or sold in January if a good offer comes in. LEAVE