Alphonse Areola and Wes Foderingham playing for West Ham and Sheffield United
(Credit: Imago)
Jack Dawson
Sat 2 August 2025 11:10, UK
West Ham are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer, with John Victor heavily linked to the Hammers.
The 29-year-old has spent the majority of his career in Brazil and took part in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer with Botafogo.
Now, reports have indicated that West Ham have made a £6.9million offer for Victor in an attempt to finally solve their goalkeeping problems.
However, this news will no doubt be concerning for the Hammers’ current keeping duo, Alphonse Areola and Wes Foderingham.
As a result, West Ham Zone has examined the situation of both goalkeepers to assess what Graham Potter’s long-term plans could be with the pair.
Alphonse Areola
Areola often struggled for West Ham last season (Credit: Imago)
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Since becoming West Ham’s number one choice, Areola has struggled.
The goalkeeper had played an important role in the London club’s UEFA Europa Conference League victory, but could now find himself on the way out of the London Stadium.
If Victor is signed, it is unlikely that Areola will accept becoming a backup option under Potter.
With the World Cup around the corner, remaining on the bench for the majority of the upcoming season would no doubt jeopardise his spot in the France squad.
West Ham’s highest earner Wages per week
Lucas Paqueta £150,000
Jarrod Bowen £150,000
Alphonse Areola £120,000
James Ward-Prowse £115,000
Areola is the third-highest-paid player at West Ham
On top of this, according to Capology (1 August), the Frenchman is on £120,000-a-week, with two years left on his deal.
Therefore, West Ham would also likely push to move the keeper on, as his wages are one of the highest in the squad.
West Ham Wes Foderingham
Foderingham is yet to play a match for West Ham
Foderingham – West Ham’s new back-up?
Given Areola is likely to depart if Victor is signed, this could see Foderingham become West Ham’s back-up.
The goalkeeper is yet to play a match for the Hammers since being signed as the third-choice last summer.
However, with Lukasz Fabianski already departing West Ham, this could see his role increase.
Foderingham has experience at Rangers and Sheffield United
At the Blades, he was part of their promotion to the Premier League.
Foderingham joined West Ham after Sheffield United’s relegation from the top flight
Potter could permit this, given Foderingham has plenty of Premier League experience from his time at Sheffield United and played in Europe at Rangers.
With the 34-year-old only likely to play in cup matches, it could be a short-term solution until another back-up is found.
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