West Ham supporters may have already witnessed Lukasz Fabianski play his final game for the Hammers after some sad news.
What’s the story?
Well, the Poland international – who West Ham signed from Swansea for £7m back in 2018 – has been an ever present under David Moyes this season, starting all 24 Premier League games.
However, Fabianski is now set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket in the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
In his absence, Alphonse Areola will start the FA Cup 5th round tie against Manchester United on Wednesday.
If the France international does well, we may have seen the end of Fabianski at the London Stadium due to his contract situation.
The 37-year-old’s current terms expire in June, so if he fails to recover before then, or Areola simply keeps his place in the starting XI, the Pole may not play again for the Hammers.
West Ham do hold an option to extend Fabianski’s contract by a further 12 months, although it remains to be seen if they will trigger that option, given the fact he turns 38 in April.
West Ham should extend Fabianski contract
In our view, there is no harm in keeping Fabianski around for another 12 months.
However, the West Ham No.1 should not be a regular starter next season, and must solely be used as a backup option to Areola.
The Frenchman is 30 years of age in comparison, and represents the long-term option for West Ham in between the sticks.
Areola also boasts Champions League experience, and plenty of West Ham fans would argue that he should be starting for them regardless.
As aforesaid, Fabianski turns 38 in April, so it is time for Moyes to phase Areola into the starting XI – now represents an ideal opportunity to do so as the Polish glovesman prepares for a spell on the sidelines.
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