Why West Ham United should sign Darren Randolph
According to The Irish Sun, Republic of Ireland international Darren Randolph could be on his way back to West Ham United to solve the Hammers’ recent woes between the sticks.
Randolph enjoyed tremendous success in the last term, keeping 20 clean sheets and pulling off his trademark wonder saves. However, he could soon be on his way out of the Riverside, with Middlesbrough looking to raise cash (h/t The Irish Sun).
Manuel Pellegrini was given a headache earlier this season when last year’s Player of the Season Lukasz Fabianski tore a hip muscle. New signing Roberto deputized initially but he has struggled horribly in English football. Fellow new boy David Martin has stepped up recently, keeping a clean sheet at Chelsea but he isn’t capable of being a long-term solution.
That’s where Randolph could step in. Although the Hammers sold him a couple of years ago, it goes without saying that the Boro man is a decent stopper when compared to Roberto.
Randolph has produced some of the best performances of his career in the North East, with his cat-like reflexes earning him a place in the 2019 Championship Team of the Season. As far as Boro concerned, offloading the veteran would allow them to fund deals for some much-needed new additions.
The 32-year-old has been exceptional for Boro and given his age – and the fact he’s in the best form of his career – it seems unlikely that Randolph would be a mere deputy for the Londoners.
A move back to the Premier League would be a huge boost to Mick McCarthy and Ireland ahead of the Euro 2020 playoffs, especially if the keeper can play regular football at the London Stadium.
Verdict
The news does come as a bit of a surprise. After all, Randolph has been phenomenal for Boro and West Ham have Fabianski as their No.1 stopper. Although injured, Fabianski is nearing fitness.
Since the keeper will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer, Middlesbrough should grasp the chance and allow him to join West Ham.
