Alphonse Areola Signed

[swindon hammer]

"OS West Ham United sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan West Ham United have completed the loan signing of 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old France international joins the Irons on an initial season-long deal, with the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2022. An outstanding goalkeeper, Areola has made more than 250 career appearances for the likes of PSG and Real Madrid, winning four Ligue 1 and La Liga titles and lifting a succession of other trophies. He spent last season with Fulham, where he excelled under former West Ham midfielder Scott Parker and won the club’s Player of the Year award. Now, he will continue his career in east London, and will provide top-class competition for the goalkeeping department as the Hammers prepare to challenge on four fronts. “I’m happy,” said Areola, who has exceptional athleticism for a man who stands 6’5 tall. “For me it was the best opportunity to sign for this Club, to sign for West Ham and to try my best to help the team. “London is a great place to live and to work as well, and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world so I really enjoyed it last season. It was tough for me and for the team, but I enjoyed playing in the Premier League. We were without the fans, but this year we will have the fans back so I can’t wait to see the atmosphere. “West Ham did a big season last year. Obviously we have the Europa League and the Premier League and the two cups, so it will be a tough season and a long season but I think we’re going to enjoy it all together. “We have really good squad. I watched games last season so I know the potential and the talent in this squad, so I can’t wait to start.” Manager David Moyes was happy to secure another player whose talent and quality will improve his West Ham United squad. “Alphonse is an experienced and talented goalkeeper who has played at the highest level and performed very well in the Premier League last season,"" he said. “As we prepare for a very busy schedule, he will provide fantastic competition for the goalkeepers already at the football club and we are going to need to use our squad to ensure compete to the best of our abilities across all competitions. “We have been aware of his qualities for a long time and we have no doubt he will be another player and character who will enhance our squad. We welcome Alphonse to West Ham United and look forward to working with him.”"

[dealcanvey]

I thought he done well after a nervy start. You can tell he is a good shot stopper. Fabianski still def 1st choice but be good to see Areola in some Europa games.

[chim chim cha boo]

I missed last night's game but from some of the stuff I have read on here it sounds quite exciting and I will watch it somewhere today. Honestly thought that we would throw it but it's great to we've got a a great Squad for once and are able to give the league cup a go. Unheard of in the past! I love being a glory supporter!

[Eerie Descent]

People are going to realise just how brilliant Fabianski has been when he's too old to be number 1.

[Fifth Column]

I'd not understood why he wasn't starting. Having seen him last night I can understand why. Some of his shot stopping was superb but his kicking was poor and some of his decision making wasn't great. A very different type of keeper than Fab. I'd start him in Europa games though as he needs matches.

[Block]

"I noticed him saying something about he didn't hear the call, so I think he was caught out of position and wasn't sure on his angles so punched it."

[AKA ERNIE]

coli-ropey 1st half ? well apart from the superb save from antic oh and the fact he didn't let a goal in but yeah otherwise well ropey

[Lee Trundle]

"Mayumi ""Maz"" Pacheco was the first, PASH."

[Russ of the BML]

"He is flamboyant. That's why he caught my eye when he was playing for Fulham. Hugely confident and he won't ever think twice. He makes his mind up and comes for it. I think we may have a few hearts in our mouth moments with him but, overall, I think he's quality and will be a really good keeper for us."

[Hammer and Pickle]

Definitely needs to start next game and I’d be shocked if he does not.

[AKA ERNIE]

The one he tipped onto the bar was a tremendous save. Punching was a bit odd but I would definitely have him in as number 1 from now.

[Dr Matt]

Two mad punches aside - looked better in other aspects than Fabianski. Sort out the punching side and it’s on.

[Sniper]

"I thought he had a really good game. Especially bearing in mind it was his debut playing behind a back four who haven’t played together much, it was impressive He did what he had to do and some really good positioning and blocks at times when they did get into decent positions. It’s lovely to have two keepers that I don’t worry about instead of thinking ‘oh god here we go’ as soon as the No1 is injured!"

[southbankbornnbred]

"I liked the look of him. Thought he was confident, made some very good reaction saves (including with his feet, which is becoming more important) and tried to dominate the penalty area. Sure, he came to punch one or two crosses that he perhaps should have tried to catch, or left alone. But I'd rather have a pro-active keeper back there - and he's certainly that. I think he will divide opinion, because many fans in England prefer to see 'boring' keepers who stick to the fundamentals and, very often, stick to their line until they simply have to move from it. This guy doesn't, and won't, do that. He'll make the odd clanger - that's the nature of keepers like him. But he'll also make many outstanding saves and ease pressure by clearing crosses others would not. If this guy was the perfect keeper, he would not be on loan to us. But he looked good yesterday, in a big game."

[Block]

"Made the saves he should have, needs to calm the fuck down a bit and cut the needless punching out and read situations better, no chance he was going to get that ball. Decent shot stopper by the looks of it"

[Lily Hammer]

"The wild punch was supposed to be to Johnson, which would have set him clear for a counter up the left. I like the positive thinking, but fuck me, he has to get that right when he tries it. Who was the corner taker who shot when the ball came back out to him? That was going in, and Areola made a great save that I don't think Fab would have managed to make. A reasonably good debut, where he dealt well with what came his way, but despite Man U's many many shots, he really didn't have to do much, which is credit to the defending of the outfield players."

[Lily Hammer]

"The wild punch was supposed to be to Johnson, which would have set him clear for a counter up the left. I like the positive thinking, but fuck me, he has to get that right when he tries it. Who was the corner taker who shot when the ball came back out to him? That was going in, and Areola made a great save that I don't think Fab would have managed to make. A reasonably good debut, where he dealt well with what came his way, but despite Man U's many many shots, he really didn't have to do much, which is credit to the defending of the outfield players."

[Mex Martillo]

"On the whole he did well didn’t he? Had me worried with some that wild running around and punching / parring the ball back out in the area, but make some good saves and looked comfortable in the end."

[Norflundon]

Only time will tell but I think this is a upgrade. Fabianski has been an excellent keeper but he does have one massive defect in the modern game is that he’s awful with the ball at his feet which in the modern game I think is a big disadvantage. Can’t say I’ve watched loads of this lad but from what I saw I do remember thinking this lad looks class good with the ball at his feet and his size is quite imposing. Tbf it’s a perfect deal with an option and hopefully he’ll sign permanently next summer as that means he’ll of been a success

[Eerie Descent]

"That's what he's on at PSG, we won't be paying him anything like that."

[wansteadman]

I read somewhere that Areolas wages are £150k a week. I’m sure that will cheer rice up

[Eerie Descent]

"Manuel - as a player yeah, but he's a bit injury prone himself these days. Hammers - maybe, although we did actively try to sign that lad from Seville in the January window to be first choice. Anyway, I agree now that he'll be our first choice, how long he lasts is anyone's guess."

[ironskej]

I wonder how long it took him to nip over to London from Paris?

[⚒️]

Eerie Descent 10:50 Fri Jul 30 Benrahma wanted to change to number 22 because it was his dad’s number. I just feel that if we had intentions of signing a first choice CF they would have held the number 9 back for that player rather than offering it to Antonio.