West Ham are reportedly in the market for a new goalkeeper, with concerns over Alphonse Areola ahead of the new season.
Header image: via West Ham United
Originally arriving on loan from PSG in 2021, Areola had made just one Premier League appearance, but one was enough to convince West Ham to onboard him permanently. The French goalkeeper, however, has been forced to watch from the bench for much of his time in London. Last season, the Paris-born stopper earned his place as West Ham’s first-choice goalkeeper, but still faced periods on the bench in favor of Łukasz Fabianski, eight years his senior.
After repeated mistakes with his footwork on the ball last season, Areola was dropped by manager Graham Potter for around two months. Playing out from the back is one of the key elements of Potter’s tactical set-up, and the Frenchman has struggled to adapt to this type of game movement.
Areola is expected to take a backseat role as Potter searches to welcome a new incoming number one goalkeeper to the London Stadium. A name floating around Potter’s search for a new number one includes Stefan Ortega, who made 13 admirable Premier League appearances for Man City last season. His ball-playing ability is reputable, making him an excellent target for Potter.
Two other names that have done the rounds in recent weeks include Sheffield United's Michael Cooper, and Leicester City's Mads Hermansen. The appointment of Danish goalkeeper coach Casper Ankergren could play a role in attempts to bring Hermansen to the club, whilst Cooper - who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League with Sheffield United - would be stepping up for a debut season in the top flight should he make the move.
