West Ham supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the new era at their football club following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the new Hammers manager last month.
The Chilean replaces David Moyes in the London Stadium hotseat after the Scot departed at the conclusion of his short-term deal in May, this all after leading the East London outfit to a 13th place finish in the Premier League. However, the club’s hierarchy decided against extending his stay at West Ham, and instead showed huge ambition by drafting in former Manchester City boss Pellegrini, who of course led the Citizens to the Premier League title back in 2014.
As such, there are many excited and expectant West Ham fans in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports linking their side with a move for Swansea City goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, although it will cost them £7 million to seal a deal.
And while the 33-year-old would likely be a useful addition to Pellegrini’s squad, they should forget about him and instead target a move for young £2.25 million-rated goalkeeper star Sam Johnstone (as per Transfermarkt).
Ultimately, 33-year-old Fabianski was part of a Swansea City team that lost their Premier League status this season, with the Poland international shipping 56 goals in his 38 league appearances, keeping nine clean sheets along the way.
And while he was arguably one of the brighter sparks in what was an ultimately disastrous campaign at the Liberty Stadium, and has missed just three league games in the last four years, his addition would be quite an underwhelming one, and it’s arguable whether he’d actually be an upgrade on Hammers shot-stopper Adrian.
And at the age of 33, there is no long-term thought in a move for Fabianski, whereas it’s pretty clear that Johnstone has a big future ahead of him after exceling for Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa this season.
The 25-year-old made the move to Villa Park on loan and went on to impress with 22 clean sheets in 48 Championship appearances for the Villans, conceding just 42 goals in the process as the Midlands giants narrowly missed out on a return to the Premier League.
And the fact that he is on the books at Manchester United tells one all they need to know about the Englishman’s ability and indeed potential, and at the tender age of 25, he could be the West Ham number one for many years to come.
Ultimately, the Hammers have struggled in the goalkeeping department in recent times, with neither Adrian nor Joe Hart convincing of their abilities this season, and while Johnstone is unproven at Premier League level, he has shown to have the temperament and toughness needed to succeed between the sticks.
Thus, while Fabianski may well be the safer option, it’s a deal with little to no consideration of the future, whereas making a move for 25-year-old Johnstone could solve the Hammers’ goalkeeping woes once and for all.
West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!
