West Ham are now close to signing a player who once fell out with Steven Gerrard.
Julen Lopetegui is keen to get his squad in order before officially starting duties at the London Stadium on July 1st – with Tim Steidten hard at work to find players for the Spaniard.
As the Premier League clamp down on Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) – Everton and Nottingham Forest were docked points last season – the free agent market is now more attractive than ever, with West Ham close to signing a player from that pool…
West Ham close to signing Wes Foderingham
A story by The Athletic now claims that West Ham are close to signing Wes Foderingham on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old has just suffered relegation with Sheffield United, following a dismal 2023/24 campaign in which he conceded 79 goals in 30 Premier League appearances, keeping just one clean sheet.
However, West Ham have seen enough in Foderingham’s performances to make a move, after Joseph Anang – third choice glovesman at the London Stadium – was released.
Lopetegui is said to want an experienced goalkeeper to compete with Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski, and actually hopes to have four signings made before July 1st.
Fabricio Bruno is also close to joining West Ham from Flamengo after a £15m deal was agreed with the Brazilian giants.
33-year-old fell out with Steven Gerrard
Lopetegui would be wise to be honest with Foderingham at all times, as the man from Hammersmith has previously endured a tough time with Gerrard at Rangers – where there was seemingly a lack of transparency.
The Sheffield United No.18 – who Jurgen Klopp called “incredible” last season – told The Open Goal Podcast back in 2020: “I found it strange. I had a meeting with the manager (Gerrard) and he said I wasn’t his type of person, which I found quite strange.
“He didn’t go into any great depth but he just kind of questioned my willingness to fight for a position, which I don’t think I showed anything to suggest I wasn’t happy to fight for my place. I have fought for my place my whole career.”
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Foderingham surely won’t expect much playing time behind Areola and Fabianski – so there shouldn’t be many issues – although he would seemingly appreciate Lopetegui being open with him at all times, something he did not receive from Gerrard at Ibrox.