Alphonse Areola has joined West Ham on a season-long loan deal, including the possibility of making the move permanent.
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper spent last season on loan at the Premier League alongside London club Fulham and proved to be one of their outstanding players despite Cottage’s relegation.
Welcome to West Ham United, @AreolaOfficiel! ? # AA13 pic.twitter.com/dVkVnYXr8B
– West Ham United (@WestHam) July 29, 2021
With PSG recently adding Euro 2020 winner Gianluigi Donnarumma in their ranks and Keylor Navas also in the squad, Areola has once again been looking for a move away from the Parc des Princes and Hammarna has won the race to secure their signature.
The World Cup winner will agree to a first season-long loan deal, although West Ham have the opportunity to make the move permanent, and Areola said he is happy to have sealed a move to East London.
“I’m happy, for me it was the best opportunity to sign for this club, write for West Ham and try my best to help the team,” he told the club’s official website.
“London is a good place to live and work too, and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world so I really liked it last season. It was tough for me and the team, but I liked playing in the Premier League. We were without fans, but this year we will have the fans back so I can not wait to see the atmosphere.
“West Ham had a great 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 will enjoy it all together.
“We have a really good squad. I watched matches last season so I know the potential and talent in this group, so I can not wait to start. ”
Areola is likely to compete with Lukasz Fabianski for 1st place at London Stadium, and West Ham boss David Moyes said he is delighted to have such a quality harvest of goalkeepers.
Alphonse Areola has joined West Ham / Visionhaus / Getty Images
“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.
“When we prepare for a very hectic schedule, he will provide fantastic competition for the goalkeepers already at the football club and we will need to use our squad to ensure competition to the best of our ability in all competitions.
“We have been aware of his qualities for a long time and we have no doubt that he will be another player and character who will improve our team. We welcome Alphonse to West Ham United and look forward to working with him. ”
