This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
The Sun is reporting that West Ham are interested in Bournemouth’s out-of-favour goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
What’s the story?
The Hammers are currently missing their first-choice shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski. As it stands, it is expected that the Poland international will not be available until the New Year.
In the next transfer window, it is being said that Manuel Pellegrini wants the former Chelsea man to provide back-up to – and challenge – the 34-year-old number one. His current loan spell with Qarabag will end on December 31st, meaning that he will then be able to move once again, whether it be on a temporary or permanent basis.
Too error-prone
The loss of Fabianski has been felt by the London outfit. In the seven matches he played before his injury in the league, his team lost just one match, with them conceding eight goals and getting their hands on three clean sheets. In the following eight matches, they have won just once, losing six times and shipping 16 strikes.
Spain goalkeeper Roberto was introduced, and he has not done well at all. Tony Cascarino has even called him the “worst goalkeeper in Premier League history”. He has been at fault for at least two goals already this campaign, and he has started just six matches. It was no surprise to see him lose his place to David Martin against Chelsea.
It makes sense, therefore, that a new goalkeeper would be targeted but, considering that Roberto’s mistakes have been his undoing, signing Begovic would make no sense. Since the recording of such data began, the 32-year-old Bosnia international has been at fault for no less than 27 goals, which is at least three more than the next man on the list. In his last five seasons, he has not managed to record a save ratio of at least 70% even once. That number was even 55.7% last term, a campaign in which he started 24 matches.
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Since being introduced, Martin appears to be doing well. He has managed an average save percentage of 84.6% in the two matches in which he has been included in the starting XI to date, and the victory at Stamford Bridge was the Irons’ first since Fabianski has been out of action.
Whilst Roberto may not be up to the required standard, the former Liverpool man has grasped the opportunity to shine with both hands. Begovic’s recent history suggests his best years are behind him. As such, Martin should be the one to take up the position as first alternative to the former Arsenal man.
Meanwhile, Darren Bent explains one West Ham’s poor run of form.
