Andy Carroll’s time in Stratford is expected to be over now that he requires yet another operation to mend his crocked bones, but the former England international is not the only long-time club servant set to walk away from Rush Green and not return next season.
Football Insider understands that Adrian will also not have his contract extended once his current deal expires in June, bringing the curtain down on a six-year stint in England for the goalkeeper we signed as a free agent from his childhood side Real Betis.
The 32-year-old lost his place in our starting XI to Lukasz Fabianski following the Poland international’s arrival in the summer, and has been resigned to cup duties ever since – starting in each of our FA and EFL Cup ties this term.
If Adrian continues to watch the action from the bench in our remaining Premier League games, his Hammers career will end on 150 outings, in which he kept 43 clean sheets and was sent off twice.
The club are said to already have plans in place on who they intend to sign as Adrian’s replacement, with a source telling Football Insider that the ideal candidate will be a senior ‘keeper who will add experience to the ranks, but is happy with the number two status.
Discussions were held over the suitability of Nathan Trott earning a promotion from our youth ranks, but the club feel it is too soon for the 20-year-old, who would be better spent out on loan next season to hone his craft.
In the meantime, if we look to the free agent market for our next goalkeeper, the board will struggle to find someone who fits their criteria outside of Tottenham’s Michel Vorm. Chelsea’s Willy Caballero, Watford’s Heurelho Gomes, and Rangers’ Allan McGregor are also set to leave their respective teams, but are the wrong side of 35.
