Alphonse Areola joins West Ham United on a 5 year contract basis from Paris Saint-Germain. West Ham agreed to pay PSG £8 million for the 29-year-old goalkeeper on Sunday. Areola has now agreed to a contract extension until 2027, with the option of another year.
West Ham is said to have exercised a buy-back option on Areola, who spent the 2021-22 season on loan in east London. Areola would then battle for the position of first-choice goalkeeper at the London Stadium with Lukasz Fabianski.
Alphonse Areola gives statement on his 5 year Contract with West Ham
Alphonse Areola on his permanent move said the following, “I feel good, I feel great, I’m happy to sign and happy to stay here permanently. I can’t wait to start to train and to do the job.”
He spoke out for the fans as well, “the main thing is that I felt the love last season. Something for me that is really important is to feel that I’m loved.”
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Areola opens up about the environment he participated in last year. “I know that I have to do my job and to do everything to make them happy, and obviously also the team, my teammates, the staff and Xavi Valero as well. The vibe of last season was great, so I just wanted to do everything to stay here.
“I feel comfortable, I feel like when I’m signing in a club. I want to feel that it’s like my second family.
“Obviously, we’re here every day and we are sharing lots of times together. So I have to feel comfortable with everyone and feel them comfortable with me as well.”
Areola’s last season performance in West Ham
Last season West Ham had one of the best Europa League runs. Although they were knocked-out in the Semis by Eintracht Frankfurt, Areola played 11 matches in the tournament in which he had 5 clean sheets. He also had 29 saves with an average of 2.98 per match.
Areola has also played for Fulham in Premier League. Out of the 36 matches, the Parisian Goalkeeper has started for the team, he has had 9 clean sheets.
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David Moyes on Alphonse Areola’s transfer move
West Ham manager David Moyes was delighted to welcome Areola back to the club.
“During his loan term last season, Alphonse made a significant contribution to the club.” His performances confirmed why we regard him as a great goalkeeper .”
He also added ,“he delivers proven quality and experience at the highest level, both at home and abroad.”
