OPINION
A goalkeeper is almost certain to be among the transfer itinerary for West Ham United director of football Mario Husillos this summer, with number two Adrian set to leave on a free transfer.
However, Cardiff City shot-stopper Neil Etheridge is not the answer. Football Insider reported on Saturday that the Bluebirds will demand £10million for the Hammers transfer target.
That’s simply too much for someone who is likely to be a stop-gap at the London Stadium, and certainly a back up to first choice standout Lukasz Fabianski.
Claret & Hugh reported earlier this month that West Ham only want an experienced ‘keeper to come in for one year to back up Fabianski while they send hot prospect Nathan Trott out on loan for a season before allowing him to compete with the Pole.
So if the club are only looking for a one year solution, why would they splash out £10million on a player in Etheridge who is used to being first choice at Cardiff? He’s not good enough to supplant Fabianski as number one, plus he’ll know his place will be taken by Trott in a year’s time.
So it doesn’t make sense for the player and for the Hammers it’s not ideal either. The club should be running for the hills from this potential deal, particularly at £10million, it would be a big blunder.
It’s just nonsensical. Surely it’s better for the east London outfit to be looking at an experienced free agent or a cheap purchase, rather than spending £10million for someone to sit on the bench for a year and then leave.
No, Trott is the future and spending that sort of money on a stop-gap solution is simply ludicrous. This is one potential transfer the Hammers should avoid at all costs.
