OPINION
West Ham must sign Stoke City’s Jack Butland in the summer as he would solve their goalkeeping issue ahead of next season.
The Daily MailĀ reported that after the Potters had their relegation to the Championship confirmed, after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace on Saturday, it was likely that Butland would leave the club.
The newspaper claimed that the 6ft 4in tall keeper was unlikely to play in England’s second-tier and that Liverpool were admirers of the young shot-stopper’s talents.
However the Daily Mail’s report went on to suggest that the Hammers could be a possible destination for Butland as the club offered a more modest upgrade on Stoke compared to the Reds.
The 25-year-old should not only be welcomed to the London Stadium in the summer, but if it comes down to it, pick the Hammers over Jurgen Klopp’s side as he will do better at West Ham.
David Moyes will no doubt be keen to add Butland to his squad as the position of goalkeeper has caused the Hammers boss several headaches this season.
Both current options Joe Hart and Adrian have proven themselves to be unreliable this campaign, and due to their failures, it’s no surprise the Hammers have conceded 67 goals in 35 league games.
Also Hart is only on loan until the end of the season from Manchester City and his displays prove that there’s no reason to keep him around any longer than previously agreed.
While the Hammers are currently celebrating securing their Premier League status, with games to spare, Moyes knows he needs to solve the major goalkeeping issue at the club, if the side are to kick-on next season.
Butland may have let in 62 goals in 35 league appearances this season for Stoke City, but with a change of scenery and a better defence in front of him, the 25-year-old will prove the current campaign was just a blip.
The colossus keeper is capable of being a very good first-choice option for a Premier League side and should be signed by the Hammers in the summer to solve their problem between the sticks.