Premier League Expert: Potter May Replace Error-Prone West Ham Keeper with Veteran Teammate

West Ham’s Goalkeeper Battle: Areola vs. Fabianski

West Ham currently has a competitive goalkeeper situation, with Alphonse Areola and Łukasz Fabiański both vying for the starting spot under Graham Potter. Veteran shot-stopper Wes Foderingham also serves as a backup option.

So far this Premier League season, Fabiański and Areola have each started 12 matches. The latter replaced the former during the Boxing Day win over Southampton after Fabiański suffered an injury.

Tight Competition for the No.1 Spot

Football commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, weighed in on the ongoing goalkeeping battle.

Areola had initially lost his place under previous head coach Julen Lopetegui following a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham in October.

However, he has since played in five of the last seven league matches and appears to be Potter’s preferred option.

Fabiański, the Premier League’s oldest registered player, turns 40 before the end of the season.

He began his professional career in 2004—the same year West Ham’s newest signing, Evan Ferguson, was born.

“People had written off Fabiański before,” Darke commented. “I thought Areola had already taken over, but Fabiański fought his way back in.

They have two solid goalkeepers, and perhaps Potter is leaning towards Areola due to Fabiański’s age.

Areola is talented and has played for big clubs, but he has a mistake in him. You can never rule out another switch.”

Is Fabiański’s Time at West Ham Coming to an End?

Many expected this season to mark the gradual phasing out of Fabiański, who had already lost his status as the undisputed first-choice following the 2022-23 Europa Conference League-winning campaign.

However, West Ham extended his contract in December 2023, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

By then, he will be over 40, raising questions about how much longer he will remain part of Potter’s plans.

Despite his age, Fabiański’s performances have not been indicative of a player well past his prime.

While not spectacular, his displays have been steady enough to suggest he still has value to the team.

With Foderingham waiting in the wings and Areola contracted for another two years, Fabiański’s long-term future remains uncertain.

He could be given a proper send-off in the coming months, but don’t be surprised if West Ham offers him another short-term extension to help with a smooth transition in the goalkeeper department.