These West Ham fans had a mixed reaction to rumours that the club is looking to sign Jack Butland on loan in January.
The news was revealed by ExWHUemployee on The West Ham Way Podcast (20/11/19 approx. 40-minute mark) that the Hammers could be looking at the former England international on a temporary deal in January with the view of signing him permanently in the summer.
Butland, who is valued at £10.8 million (Transfermarkt), is currently playing for Stoke in the Championship, however, the 26-year-old has only played in nine of the 16 matches so far this season, but being a younger keeper it shouldn’t be difficult to convince him to be the second choice behind Lukasz Fabianski.
Change of scenery may do him good, he can’t be worse than Roberto
— Adrian’s Left Glove (@AdrianLeftGlove) November 20, 2019
I’d take him. I know it hasn’t worked out for him yet but learning from Fab for a couple years could help him fulfill his potential! Plus he is only 26, not even close to his peak!
— Ed Ayling (@thatboied) November 21, 2019
Upgrade on Roberto if I say so myself so I wouldn’t have a problem with that.
— Josh (@JoshVernege) November 21, 2019
I think we need to go spend some decent money on a better GK that is gonna push Fab for the number 1 shirt not just be a backup and someone who can replace Fab long term.
— Paul Nagle (@PCNagle1975) November 21, 2019
Some fans suggested promoting a keeper from the academy or just recall a loanee, both would save the club any transfer fee or wages.
Can we just promote Joseph Annang?
May be we will get the best of him
— AJAASUMA WEST HAM UTD (@lilmodulo) November 20, 2019
How about we already have a decent keeper ourselves in Nathan Trott? Bring him back.
— J (@hammerhead2009) November 21, 2019
A no-brainer that we need a capable no.2 keeper as a matter of priority, to replace this clown Roberto. Butland may have his critics, but (a bit like Roberto to some extent) he has had a non-existent defence in front of him.Trott+Annang should be adequate long term cover for Fab.
— Geoff Clements (@clements_geoff) November 21, 2019
I sincerely hope this is false. Butland has been awful in the championship this season.
— Chris Lillington (@OficialCLtweets) November 21, 2019
What Do We Think?
It all depends on the price if it’s a permanent move or the wage bill if it’s a loan because as soon as Fabianski is back, it’s likely Butland will be on the bench. Another concern should be the fact he hasn’t played every game in the Championship this season, with Adam Federici also playing seven games. Perhaps, the Hammers can go for a more competitive player to challenge the Polish keeper than the current Stoke man.