Dan Bardell believes Wes Foderingham is a valuable addition to West Ham United, despite a challenging season with Sheffield United. The goalkeeper is set to move to the London Stadium, with Fabrizio Romano reporting a medical is scheduled for 20 June.
The 33-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract with the Blades expired following their relegation from the Premier League. Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell suggests that Foderingham could play a useful role as a squad player next season.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “He’ll purely be for backup. He had a very difficult season with Sheffield United last year which wasn’t necessarily his fault, they were not in a good state at all. I can’t imagine that his confidence is very high at the moment and he will probably welcome a move to a Premier League club to be back up and watch from a distance.
“It must have been traumatic being in goal for Sheffield United last season. He’s a decent goalkeeper who is lacking in confidence. He will be the second or third choice at West Ham, it’s a good move for him and you could argue the club needs to make these kinds of signings.”
The move for Foderingham coincides with Nathan Trott’s departure from West Ham, leaving a gap in the squad that needs to be filled. Premier League clubs typically require at least three goalkeepers in their roster.
Trott is set to join Copenhagen on a permanent deal, having spent the last two seasons in Denmark with Vejle Boldklub. He has only made one appearance for the Hammers, and with Lukasz Fabianski nearing the end of his career, Foderingham could provide necessary cover.
Last season, Foderingham endured a tough time at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United finished at the bottom of the Premier League. He conceded 79 goals in 30 starts, a dismal record exacerbated by a lack of defensive support.
While the signing of Foderingham may not excite Hammers fans, it is a pragmatic move. His experience and availability will be crucial in ensuring West Ham has adequate goalkeeping cover for the upcoming season.