With West Ham United in the market for a new centre-forward, a new centre-half, plus reinforcements at full-back and midfield, the goalkeeping situation at the London Stadium has, for the most part, flown somewhat under the radar.
But that could change sooner rather than later.
Darren Randolph is expected to leave in the summer. London rivals Fulham are ‘confident’ of snatching Alphonse Areola from under David Moyes’ nose.
And, even if Lukasz Fabianski does extend a contract that is due to expire in July, the long-serving Pole will turn 37 next week.
But this does not mean West Ham will be forced to break the bank for a new number one.
Sam Johnstone, like Fabianski, will be a free-agent in July. West Brom boss Steve Bruce has already stated that the England international is entering his final few weeks as a Baggies player.
Gaetan Coucke, meanwhile, admitted a couple of days ago that he’s open to the idea of swapping the Jupiler League for the English capital.
Mechelen’s former Belgium U19 shot-stopper is entering in on the final 12 months of his deal too.
West Ham’s new number one?
But what of Thomas Strakosha? The Greek-born Albanian who was linked with a £25 million move to West Ham back in 2021, via Calciomercato.
The report claims that Southampton were also keen at the time. And the Saints, like the Hammers, will make a new shot-stopper one of their top summer priorities, with Alex McCarthy, Willy Caballero and the revitalised Fraser Forster all out of contract.
Strakosha will become a free-agent on July 1st too. According to Il Tempo, via TMW, the chances of Strakosha agreeing a new deal with Lazio are about as slim as Maurizio Sarri kicking his tab-chewing habits.
Newcastle United have held talks, Watford too, but surely West Ham and Southampton will not idly stand by and let a £25 million transfer target slip through their fingers for free.
“I like how they play in the Premier League,” Strakosha told The Guardian last year.
“They play so fast, there are so many shots and you have so much work to do. I enjoy doing a lot of work, as it lets me show my best and gets my adrenaline up.
“I believe the Premier League has the best football. They have crazy moments in the Premier League, and the fans are so close to the pitch. It is unbelievable. You would want to play two games a day due to the unbelievable feeling.
“It’s everyone’s dream to play in the Premier League.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
