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“He’s underperforming while earning a significant salary”- Lopetegui is urged to drop the West Ham player who makes more than both Todibo and Summerville.
Now it’s time for results. West Ham United has had a mixed start under Julen Lopetegui, but the October international break has given the team a chance to prepare for the upcoming Premier League matches.
Lopetegui is encouraged by his squad’s impressive 4-1 win over Ipswich Town before the break. While he’s pleased with the victory at the London Stadium, he emphasized that there’s still much work to be done.
It’s been over two months since Lopetegui’s competitive tenure began, and although he initially hesitated to field his new signings, the £120 million worth of talent brought in this summer is starting to shine.
### West Ham’s Summer Transfer Moves
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Lopetegui has been cautious about revealing the details of Niclas Fullkrug’s ongoing injury. The 31-year-old striker, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund for £27 million, has been sidelined for the past five matches due to an Achilles issue.
On a brighter note, summer signings Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman have developed a strong partnership in defense. Technical director Tim Stiedten has worked diligently to address the Hammers’ defensive weaknesses and is seeing positive results.
Despite the high spending, West Ham has managed salaries efficiently. Former defenders Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd were on a combined £175,000 per week, but they have now been replaced by Kilman (£100,000 per week) and Fullkrug (£90,000 per week), who bring more experience and potential.
Additionally, Todibo, currently on loan, is earning just £20,000 per week, which provides some financial flexibility. Crysencio Summerville, who impressed in the Championship with Leeds United, is also on a modest £30,000 weekly salary.
It’s crucial for the club to continue streamlining expenses to make room for new signings. Danny Ings has a high wage and should be moved on, along with Lukasz Fabianski, who has fallen down the pecking order.
### Lukasz Fabianski’s Future
West Ham signed Fabianski from Swansea City for £7 million in 2018, and he has since made 202 appearances, making it the club he’s represented the most in his career. Although he has lost his starting spot to Alphonse Areola in recent seasons, he has still delivered commendable performances, earning praise for his shot-stopping abilities.
However, with his contract in its final year, it may be time for the veteran keeper to consider retirement or a new opportunity elsewhere. While he didn’t play during the club’s Conference League-winning run, he contributed significantly to their success in previous seasons.
At £60,000 per week, Fabianski’s salary takes up a significant portion of the wage bill, more than the combined earnings of Summerville and Todibo. Although Todibo is on loan, he is expected to receive a better contract once his permanent transfer is finalized, highlighting the need for salary space created by Fabianski’s potential exit.
Summerville, still young but already showing promise, is proving to be a smart acquisition at £30,000 per week, demonstrating the club’s effective management under Stiedten.
Despite conceding five goals recently, Fabianski received a respectable 5/10 rating from the Evening Standard for his efforts in a challenging match against Manchester City. Areola, meanwhile, has excelled, boasting a 74.5% save rate last season, second only to Manchester United’s Andre Onana.
With Areola firmly established as the number one, and the arrival of Wes Foderingham likely aimed at providing backup, Fabianski’s departure seems inevitable as he approaches 40.
Having been a key player during his time at West Ham, especially in the club’s recent triumphs, his exit would be both necessary and appropriate. Given the club’s strategic transfers, the funds saved from his departure could be reinvested to bring in a new star to bolster the squad further.
