West Ham United are assessing their options on the transfer front regarding their shot-stopping options, with Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou eyed as the perfect heir to veteran stalwart Lukasz Fabianski…
What’s the latest on Yassine Bounou to West Ham?
According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), the Hammers have joined the race to sign the Moroccan Bounou, who starred during his nation’s commendable run to the semi-finals in Qatar, and could make a move for the ace, who is believed to have a €50m (£44m) release clause in his contract.
The Irons would face stiff competition, however, with a separate report from Spain stating last month that Premier League champions Manchester City are interested in the 31-year-old goalkeeper.
Is Bounou the perfect Fabianski heir?
Fabianski, 37, is firmly within the twilight phase of his career, albeit still performing admirably, and with his contract at the London Stadium set to expire in June – although with the option for a one-year extension – moves might indeed be made to land Bounou ahead of the new season.
The £65k-per-week shot-stopper has been a staunch and impressive figure between the sticks for the Irons since arriving from Swansea City for £7m in 2018 following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
Having made 162 appearances, including 23 this term, the 57-cap Polish star has been at the centre of the east London outfit’s revival under the tutelage of David Moyes and despite the woes this year, West Ham have clinched Europe across the past two campaigns and indeed await the knockout phase of the Europa Conference League next month.
But time waits for no man, and the Hammers hierarchy could soon look to ditch the former Arsenal ace in the stead of a more youthful, vibrant option, at least in goalkeeping terms and Bounou fits the bill.
Having made 128 appearances for Sevilla, keeping 56 clean sheets, ‘Bono’ saw his value skyrocket after playing an integral role in his nation’s exploits in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to reach the final four of a World Cup.
Via Sofascore, the keeper played six of Morocco’s seven matches, recording an impressive rating of 6.98 and keeping three clean sheets, notably starring against Spain in the last-16, repelling the former world champions’ advances and then producing a scintillating display in the penalty shootout, clinching a stunning 8.0 match rating.
Heaping adulation on his compatriot after the match, ex-Wolves titan Roman Saiss said:
“It is amazing for him. He had a heroic game today, not only during the penalties. He just wanted to show why he was named best LaLiga goalkeeper last season. He is a great keeper, he proved it against Spain. We owe him a lot today.”
And with a desire to wade through the thick of the action, Bounou ranks among the top 15% of positional peers for touches over the past year, illustrating his orchestrating demeanour as he demands the ball and swiftly looks to instigate forward manoeuvres from the back.
Having already produced a “monster” performance against Manchester United in the Europa League in 2020, as lauded by writer Ives Galarcep, the gem is well accustomed to the robust nature of Premier League outfits, and he could slot seamlessly into Moyes’ squad, playing a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence after a forgettable domestic campaign.
Bounou would be a brilliant addition to the team, with shot-stopping prowess, ball-playing assurance and pedigree on football’s biggest stage; Fabianski has been excellent for West Ham, but Bounou can take his baton.