Upon reading this headline, you could be inclined to think that we’re talking about Mark Noble. But this article isn’t based around where the Hammers should be looking to find an eventual Noble replacement (Declan Rice!!!), and nor is it about another man who fits the mould, Winston Reid.
The New Zealander isn’t one, sadly, who the Irons need to prepare for life without seeing as injuries have had a massive impact on his game time for the Hammers. No, instead, we’re talking about one Lukasz Fabianski. The Irons’ Polish gloveman who has given so much in such a short space of time.
The former Arsenal and Swansea City goalkeeper has been a revelation for the Hammers since he was signed in summer 2018 for the reasonable fee of just £7m (BBC), and in his debut season, he became just the second goalkeeper to be named Hammer of the Year in 20 years after Shaka Hislop in 1999 (whufc.com).
As good as Fabianski is, though, and as much as he’s done for the club in such a short space of time, the shot-stopper is getting on a bit now at the age of 34-years-old. By the time the 2020/21 season begins Fabianski will be 35 too, and whilst he may be a solid option at the moment, having someone in place to take the reigns is the sensible option.
Whether that man comes in the form of a new signing or an academy man is yet to be seen and there are options on the table for the Hammers. Obviously Darren Randolph is a dependable deputy, but the talent of young Jonathan Anang who is waiting in the wings is unquestionable, but whether he’s got what it takes to follow Fabianski is up for debate.
Should Fabianski be replaced?
Yes
No
Whatever does happen between the sticks for the Irons, Fabianski has at least one more season left in him, giving the club some time to think about their options and make the right decision going forward whilst the Pole plays out the rest of his best years.
