OPINION
West Ham are reportedly in advanced talks to sign out-of-contract Millwall goalkeeper David Martin and while it might not be the most popular of moves due to the rivalry between the two clubs, signing the 33-year-old could still be a blinder of a deal for the Hammers.
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham want Martin as a third-choice goalkeeper and are in talks with him about an unexpected move to the London Stadium this summer on a free transfer.
Manuel Pellegrini needs to sign at least one new goalkeeper this summer due to Adrian leaving when his contract expires [Football Insider].
Lukasz Fabianski has been in stunning form for the Irons over the course of the campaign and will no doubt retain his number one spot next season, but who will be Pellegrini’s second and third choice goalkeepers is up for debate.
While the Mail claims that Martin is being viewed as a potential third-choice goalkeeper at the London Stadium, he is certainly good enough to be a second-choice after a strong end to the season with Millwall.
Martin has been on the fringes of the Lions’ squad for most of the season and his only Championship appearances came in the final 10 games of the campaign.
However in those 10 matches he made more saves-per-match (2.5) than any other goalkeeper at The Den, according to WhoScored, and kept an impressive four clean sheets.
Birmingham, West Brom, QPR and Stoke all failed to score past the former MK Dons shot-stopper, who is known for being the son of West Ham legend Alvin Martin.
The exit-bound Millwall goalkeeper has proven that he can play well when thrown into the starting line-up, which is a great attribute to have as a back-up option because most ‘keepers need a run of games to find their form.
It also helps that Martin is someone who has been around the block a bit as the 33-year-old has made 394 first team appearances in his career, and that experience can really help to rub off on some of the younger goalkeepers in the West Ham squad.
Forget that the 6ft 2 (transfermarkt) ace has spent the last two years at Millwall and view him as an able back-up goalkeeper who is available for free and has great experience in English football that can help avid aid the development of the younger members of the side.
He could be a very clever addition for the Irons this summer.