Frank McAvennie has expressed doubts about West Ham’s decision to sign Wes Foderingham from Sheffield United on a free transfer this summer. The club announced on Wednesday (26 June) that the 33-year-old goalkeeper has signed a two-year deal and will officially join once his contract with Sheffield United expires at the end of the month.
Although Foderingham brings substantial experience from his 112 appearances in the Premier League and Championship over the past four years with the Blades, McAvennie is not enthusiastic about his arrival. Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “I don’t know about it, wasting time on free transfers. No disrespect to Foderingham, because he might do wonders, but I don’t know what his commitment and ambition are like.
“There will be no shortage of fighting because if you’re at Sheffield United, you’re constantly under pressure for 80 out of the 90 minutes, so I don’t see a problem with his goalkeeping.
“I just want West Ham to go out and buy someone – a good quality centre-half. As a supporter, I’d love to see them get a good centre-half. There are some good players at the Euros this summer.”
Despite the signing, Alphonse Areola is expected to remain the No.1 goalkeeper, with Lukasz Fabianski still performing well. This means Foderingham may see limited game time next season.
Foderingham’s career includes over 400 appearances for Sheffield United, Rangers, and Swindon Town, adding valuable experience to West Ham’s squad. However, as McAvennie suggests, West Ham’s manager Julen Lopetegui should focus on securing a centre-back, given that Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Nayef Aguerd may not be sufficient for the team’s defensive needs next season.
In related news, West Ham is reportedly interested in Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, as the club evaluates its transfer options.
