Alphonse Areola: Nuno Espirito Santo forging plans to replace West Ham goalkeeper
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Credit: Imago Alphonse Areola: Nuno Espirito Santo forging plans to replace West Ham goalkeeper Thu 26 March 2026 9:15, UK Alphonse Areola could soon be heading for the West Ham United exit doors as plans emerge to sign a new goalkeeper.Nuno Espirito Santo does not have a clear No.1 shot-stopper at the London Stadium, with Mads Hermansen taking over between the sticks in recent weeks.That is especially worrying at a time when the Hammers are at risk of being relegated from the Premier League, and those behind the scenes might already be planning for Championship football.West Ham’s transfer plans likely depend on their league status ahead of the summer window, though a key target has already emerged from Championship promotion chasers Hull City. 🔄West Ham United Transfer Update🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the West Ham United boardroom. VISIT THE WEST HAM TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Alphonse Areola could be finished at West HamAreola has never managed to fully persuade supporters that he’s the right goalkeeper for the Hammers, ever since his £7.75million arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2022.Since then, he has made over 100 appearances for the Irons, but at 33 years of age, it is probably the right time for the club to put a succession plan in place.While the Frenchman likely has a few years left before retirement, Areola is only going to slow down and become a back-up goalkeeper in East London, rather than develop his skills.Alphonse Areola’s West Ham seasonsGames playedClean sheets2025-20262312024-20252642023-20243342022-20232372021-2022 (Loan)188Total12324With that in mind, it is reported that Hull City’s Ivor Pandur remains on the club’s list of potential targets [TuttoMercatoWeb], having also been eyed by Graham Potter during his short spell with the Hammers.Ivor Pandur has potential suitors in the Premier LeaguePandur has played a crucial role in getting the Tigers up the Championship table, with the team currently sitting fifth in the standings, five points off the automatic promotion spots.Only five other goalkeepers in the entire division have recorded more clean sheets than the 26-year-old (10), and he is certainly attracting interest from teams in the league above.Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham will not entertain offers for Hermansen, meaning a future for Areola in East London is far more unlikely.Given that the Hammers may also be playing Championship football next season, plans of all kinds appear to be forged at the London Stadium, with Pandur one of the club’s potential summer targets. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.