West Ham United goalkeeper Krisztian Hegyi admits he could have joined Wolves and Manchester United before opting for a Premier League rival instead, speaking to Nemzeti Sport.
With his 21st birthday only a few months away – and with Lukasz Fabianski more an old hen than a spring chicken these days – Hegyi will be hoping the decision he made back in 2019 is soon vindicated.
The Hungary U21 international is edging towards that time in his career when the step up from youth football to the men’s game must be made. Fortunately, he appears to be making impressive progress in action for West Ham’s second-string.
Is Krisztian Hegyi a future West Ham United number one?
“As a young goalkeeper, there are sometimes mistakes. But, in the last period, I eliminated them. I didn’t have any major setbacks,” says Hegyi, who has improved steadily in his three years at the London Stadium.
“After a successful match or training session, I receive words of praise (from the club). I want to perform well and develop in the background.”
Hegyi has featured 18 times in Premier League 2 so far this season.
“I still have a lot of growing to do to get there (the first-team),” he explains. “I compare myself to the best goalkeepers in all areas, especially to West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. I’m on the right track. But I still have a lot of work to do to reach the level he represents.”
Hegyi, who is under contract until 2025, represented Szombathelyi Haladas back home in Hungary before upping sticks and heading for England. And West Ham, he says, were not his only Premier League suitor.
“I knew that I would become a West Ham player. Because (in 2018, my management) presented me with offers from several top flight clubs. Atletico Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United were among the applicants,” Hegyi adds.
“In January 2019, I chose West Ham United. After two seasons, I became the goalkeeper of the U21 team, and have been playing there ever since.”
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