Latest news with #LukaszFabianski
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
West Ham sign Leicester goalkeeper Hermansen - World
No fee was disclosed, but British media reported that West Ham were paying around £20 million ($27 million) for the 25-year-old Denmark international. Hermansen made 72 appearances for Leicester, winning the Championship title in 2024. He impressed last season as the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League. West Ham were in the hunt for a new goalkeeper after Poland's Lukasz Fabianski left at the end of last season. Hermansen will compete with Alphonse Areola, 32, who played 26 times in the Premier League last season. West Ham United is delighted to confirm the signing of Danish goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Leicester City. 🤝 — West Ham United (@WestHam) August 9, 2025 Casper Ankergren, who worked with Hermansen at Brondby, is West Ham's goalkeeping coach under manager Graham Potter. "I've heard a lot of great things about the club," Hermansen told the Hammers' website. "I played West Ham twice last season and playing at London Stadium was a great experience. It's an amazing stadium with loud, passionate fans. It's what you dream of as a footballer and I can't wait to play in front of 62,500 fans as a West Ham player." "The fans can expect me to be brave and bring good energy to help the team in the best way I can. This is a great step in my career." Potter welcomed Hermasen to east London: "Mads has proved his quality at Leicester City with two impressive campaigns on a personal level over the last couple of years and the exciting thing is that we feel his best years are still ahead of him." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who will start in goal for West Ham?
West Ham were left with big gloves to fill this summer after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was released in June. The 40-year-old Pole made more than 200 appearances in a seven-year spell for the Hammers but was deemed as surplus to requirement by head coach Graham Potter. Frenchman Alphonse Areola, 33, became Potter's first choice during the second half of last term but he will likely face stiff competition if the club do sign Victor John from Botafogo. Readers will see links with the keeper in our gossip post a little lower on this page. The 6ft 5in Brazilian has excelled during the past two years and he was a key member of the Rio de Janiero side's league and Copa Libertadores double in 2024. He was also in the team that defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the recent Club World Cup. His 2024-25 statistics make for excellent reading, especially when compared to Areola and the recently departed Fabianski. It is worth noting that the Premier League is a step up in level from the Brazilian top flight but the numbers do suggest that West Ham may well have unearthed a goalkeeping upgrade.
BBC News
05-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Who will start in goal for West Ham?
West Ham were left with big gloves to fill this summer after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was released in 40-year-old Pole made more than 200 appearances in a seven-year spell for the Hammers but was deemed as surplus to requirement by head coach Graham Alphonse Areola, 33, became Potter's first choice during the second half of last term but he will likely face stiff competition if the club do sign Victor John from Botafogo. Readers will see links with the keeper in our gossip post a little lower on this 6ft 5in Brazilian has excelled during the past two years and he was a key member of the Rio de Janiero side's league and Copa Libertadores double in 2024. He was also in the team that defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the recent Club World 2024-25 statistics make for excellent reading, especially when compared to Areola and the recently departed is worth noting that the Premier League is a step up in level from the Brazilian top flight but the numbers do suggest that West Ham may well have unearthed a goalkeeping upgrade.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Hammers in advanced talks with Serie A stopper
West Ham Eyeing Top Talent as Zion Suzuki Talks Advance Potter Prioritises Keeper Reinforcement West Ham United are reportedly targetting on one of Europe's brightest young goalkeepers as they look to bolster Graham Potter's squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. According to ExWHUEmployee on The West Ham Way Patreon, the Hammers are now in advanced negotiations with Parma's Zion Suzuki, widely regarded as 'one of the best goalkeeping talents in Europe.' Advertisement Potter, who is shaping his team in preparation for a significant rebuild, has placed the recruitment of a new No.1 high on his agenda. With Lukasz Fabianski departing the club after the expiry of his contract, and Alphonse Areola not guaranteed to retain the starting role, West Ham are eager to bring in fresh competition between the sticks. Photo IMAGO Zion Suzuki: A Rising Star Zion Suzuki, the 6'3' Japanese international born in the USA, has become a sought-after name across Europe. Previously linked with Manchester United, Leeds United, and even Chelsea, Suzuki has made a strong impression during his time with Parma in Serie A. The 21-year-old is of Japanese and Ghanaian heritage and has chosen to represent Japan internationally. Advertisement This multicultural background and impressive ability make Suzuki not just a valuable addition on the pitch but a commercially astute acquisition as well. 'It would also tick the Asian market signing that the club have desires for a long time.' Negotiations Progressing Despite No Agreement Yet While ExWHUEmployee confirmed the club are 'in advanced talks with Zion Suzuki,' it's worth noting that neither personal terms nor a transfer fee have been agreed at this stage. 'The player appears to have emerged as a top keeper target and talks have already started with the player through his agent and he could be one of the next players to join the club if all goes to plan, and the club decide that wages and fee are reasonable.' Advertisement A quick resolution is possible if both parties align on these outstanding issues. The deal, should it go through, would represent a clear signal of intent from Graham Potter and the West Ham recruitment team. Our View – EPL Index Analysis West Ham fans may view this development with cautious optimism. Zion Suzuki is still only 21, and he's shown glimpses of real potential, Potter's willingness to target such a young GK suggests a long-term project is in motion. Suzuki's signing would be emblematic of a broader strategy — blending youth, global commercial appeal, and technical quality. With a 6'3' frame and international experience already under his belt, fans may see this as an exciting, if slightly risky, investment. It's also clear that the club is finally tapping into the Asian football market, something long discussed but rarely executed. That in itself may win favour among fans who've wanted the club to modernise both on and off the pitch. Advertisement Still, the key factor will be whether Suzuki is signed as the No.1 or merely to challenge Areola. Many will be hoping for the former, provided he proves he's ready. If the move comes off, it could be a bold statement in what looks to be a busy summer for the Hammers.
New York Times
27-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Head has to rule heart for West Ham when it comes to Michail Antonio's future
There was a noticeable absentee during West Ham United's final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest. Many supporters arrived at the London Stadium on May 18 to bid farewell to stalwarts Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal following the news they would be leaving after the expiry of their contracts on June 30. But for those who intently scoured the dugout, they would have noticed the non-arrival of Michail Antonio, who was conspicuous by his absence. Advertisement It is pertinent to wonder if he opted against attending because he remained hopeful his 10-year spell as a West Ham player had not reached its course. At the time, the 35-year-old forward, whose deal also expires on June 30, was engaged in contract talks with majority shareholder David Sullivan and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay. Although talks had reached an impasse, Antonio was optimistic there would eventually be a breakthrough. But there has been no significant progress and, on Monday, the London-born Jamaica international is set to be released. It would mark a sad end to his spell given his club-legend status. Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 and is their all-time leading Premier League goalscorer with 68 goals in 268 games. He ranks third in West Ham's history for the number of Premier League appearances (268), behind Cresswell (312) and ex-captain-turned-sporting-director Mark Noble (414). Antonio's last appearance for West Ham was in a 3-1 defeat by Leicester City on December 3. He hoped to extend his stay after his miraculous recovery from a serious car crash in December, when he was involved in a single-vehicle collision after the Ferrari he was driving struck a tree in Epping Forest. He underwent surgery on a lower limb injury and spent four and a half weeks recovering in hospital, returning to fitness ahead of schedule having initially been informed his rehabilitation would take 12 months. He was given a guard of honour by his team-mates when he returned to full training on May 5 but much to Antonio's frustration, the club's hierarchy has decided to go in a new direction. Antonio made an emotional return to the London Stadium in March before the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, and some supporters paraded banners as a mark of respect. Whatever happens next, he will be fondly remembered for how he reinvented himself as a striker under former manager David Moyes, memorably scoring four goals against Norwich City in July 2020, becoming the first West Ham player to do so since David Cross in 1981. There's also his quirky goal celebrations and his unselfishness when played at right-back under Slaven Bilic. Advertisement Antonio reached double figures in goals for four consecutive seasons, between 2019-20 and 2022-23. He remained crucial amid the club's perennial failure to find his replacement. In January 2023, the striker had interest from Everton, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Last summer, the club rejected an offer from Brazilian side Gremio for the forward. During West Ham's previous failed searches for Antonio's successor, there have been failed bids for Dominic Solanke, then of Bournemouth; Jhon Duran, formerly of Aston Villa; and Hugo Ekitike, back when the in-demand Frenchman played for Reims, among other forwards. Gianluca Scamacca, Jordan Hugill, Jonathan Calleri, Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Simone Zaza, Lucas Perez, Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti have come and gone, while Antonio has remained a fixture at the London Stadium, often entrusted with playing as a lone striker. 'It was always a journey with Michail, not just one moment,' former West Ham boss Bilic told The Athletic last year. 'When I was manager, the fans would always say: 'Let's sign a striker'. First, we brought (Simone) Zaza, then, after me, they signed (Sebastien) Haller, (Gianluca) Scamacca, but it was always Michail who was the first choice. 'What makes me smile the most is the fact that he's gone on to become a West Ham legend. They tried to say he was just a Championship player, but he's proved them all wrong.' Despite his longevity, Antonio's impending departure is the best move for both parties, with head coach Graham Potter aiming to kickstart a new era in 2025-26. The forward scored just one goal in 14 league appearances before his season was curtailed. Early on, when he was restored to the XI following Niclas Fullkrug's struggles with injuries, it was clear that Antonio's impact had regressed. Advertisement His sole goal came against relegated side Ipswich Town in October and following that match, in starts against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Arsenal, Antonio was often hooked early by former manager Julen Lopetegui. Another potential factor behind the hierarchy opting to let Antonio go is their focus on transitioning to a more youthful side. Last season, the average age of West Ham's team was the joint-oldest in the Premier League (28.8 years old, level with Everton). Of their 28-man squad, 12 players were aged 30 or over. Including Antonio, five of those will now search for new clubs. Antonio hopes his involvement with Jamaica in the Gold Cup will attract potential suitors. He made his comeback from injury as an 85th-minute substitute in Jamaica's opening group-stage defeat to Guatemala on June 17, before cameo appearances — from the 81st minute and 72nd minute — in subsequent games against Guadeloupe and Panama, respectively. 'From where he was after the accident to be playing and walking is a miracle,' manager Steve McClaren told reporters after Jamaica's first match. 'We're delighted because we need that kind of leadership. We'll build up his fitness as much as we can. It was good to get him minutes, although he didn't have the fairytale of scoring.' Although Jamaica have been eliminated from the competition, Antonio will be encouraged that he proved doubters wrong. 'It's a bit of a surprise being back so early, but something that I worked hard for and the graft that I put in to be here,' Antonio told the Jamaica Gleaner earlier this week. 'Hopefully, I can show everyone that I'm not just back, but I'm back and playing well. 'Before the very first game, preparing for it when being on the coach, I felt lost. Even in the changing room, some of my team-mates asked if I was alright because I was zoned out. But when the opportunity came to come on the pitch, my body felt ready.' Advertisement If Antonio departs, it will not be the ending he would have envisioned for his West Ham career. He may well have already prepared a heartfelt statement eulogising the fans and his team-mates for their unwavering love and support. He will duly receive an outpouring of love if his departure is confirmed. But when the tears have dried up and the dust settles before a new chapter, Antonio will be aware of the profound impact joining West Ham has had on his life and career.
