The goalkeeping department at West Ham United has been a problematic area for a number of years as the Hammers have struggled to replace the ageing Łukasz Fabiański.
According to Alex Crook, the Irons are in talks to re-sign the now 40-year-old shot-stopper following his release at the start of the summer.
West Ham United Looking To Re-Sign Łukasz Fabiański
Fabiański joined the Hammers in the summer of 2018 after having impressed for Swansea City during previous seasons.
The former Polish international went on to make 216 appearances for the club. However, this was perhaps more than the hierarchy first envisioned, as Alphonse Areola was signed by the Irons in 2021.
Areola had featured extensively for Paris Saint-Germain, whilst also having a stint at Real Madrid and winning France caps, before arriving in East London. He was the man many thought would be West Ham’s number one for years to come.
But, despite being given multiple chances to impress by David Moyes and co. the Frenchman proved too inconsistent and error-prone.
This meant that, more often than not, the Irons would fall back on Fabiański as their first-choice goalkeeper. However, Areola was still given game time in European and cup competitions.
Over the past couple of seasons, Fabiański’s age began to catch up with him. This led to Areola playing the majority of the Irons’ games, but looking no more assured than previously.
The Irons decided to release the Polish goalkeeper this summer, but a change of heart may have occurred.
What Could West Ham United’s Goalkeeping Department Look Like If Fabiański Signs?
Graham Potter’s side once again attempted to recruit a new long-term number one this summer by signing Mads Hermansen.
The Dane impressed for Leicester City in what was considered to be a high-pressure environment following Danny Ward’s poor performances in the Foxes’ goal during the previous campaign.
However, the 25-year-old had a nightmare home debut against Chelsea. He massively struggled to deal with crosses into the box and made multiple errors, which led to Chelsea goals. Conceding five times in his first game at the London Stadium has already left some fans questioning his ability.
Potter showed faith in Hermansen by starting him in their next league game at Nottingham Forest, and the Dane responded by putting in a solid performance.
This could mean that the Irons are viewing Fabiański as a possible replacement for Wes Foderingham as their third-choice goalkeeper, rather than as a short-term solution as number one. It looks as though Areola will remain a backup regardless of the role that Fabiański plays.
Greg Wood, the resident West Ham expert on the Premier League Lowdown podcast, said the following:
“I believe the return of a 40-year-old Łukasz Fabiański to West Ham highlights not only the challenges we face in the goalkeeping position, but also the wider issues within the squad as a whole.
“While I have no objection to Fabiański’s return in principle—particularly if he is being brought back to support the development of younger players in a mentoring or player/coach capacity—relying on him as a regular starter would suggest a lack of foresight and a sign of desperation rather than strategic planning.”