According to several reports, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has been linked with a move to West Ham to replace Alphonse Areola.
West Ham United are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Burnley’s number one Nick Pope, if the Clarets are relegated from the Premier League this season.
The England international has been in fine form for Burnley, and played especially well against the Hammers during their 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Sunday.
Thirty-year-old Pope has attracted interest from a variety of clubs over the years, but relegation-threatened Burnley could now lose their star man if they go down to the Championship.
Regardless of the talent that Pope possesses, this would not necessarily be a clever move for West Ham.
Despite the danger of getting relegated, the goalkeeper’s contract does not expire until next summer in 2023 – which means the club don’t have to sell him for a small amount.
His price will be reduced, but David Moyes and West Ham can expect to have to pay £20-£30 million at least to land the England international.
The question is whether he is worth it or not for that amount of money, especially since we have a good chance of signig current on-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from French side PSG.
Areola has also been in incredible form for the Hammers this season, especially within cup competitions, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Being on loan, West Ham now have the chance to sign him permanently at the end of the season and many supporters are confused at the club’s hesitancy over the deal.
Despite Areola potentially costing slightly more in terms of weekly wages, the Hammers will save a huge amount on the transfer fee – for a goalkeeper who has already proven himself in the squad and appears to have fit in seamlessly.
Looking forward to this summer’s transfer window, if West Ham do decide to choose Nick Pope over Areola it wouldn’t be a travesty. However, financially it makes sense to keep with our current number two, who has proved on many occasions why he deserves to stay in east London.
