Why West Ham should go for Wolves goalkeeper John Ruddy in January

According to The Guardian, West Ham want to sell Roberto Jimenez in the January transfer window and sign a new goalkeeper.

After releasing Adrian at the end of last season, West Ham signed Roberto on a free transfer in July 2019 as a cover for Lukasz Fabianski. The 2018/19 ‘Hammer of the Year’, Fabianski sustained a hip agitation during West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth towards the end of September. The Polish keeper is not expected to be back until the New Year.

Roberto has deputised in Fabianski’s absence but he has proven to be a disaster in goal, with the Spaniard guilty of many high-profile errors and shipping 14 goals in just 6 games. After a string of poor performances, he has been taken out of the firing line with David Martin coming in.

Back in May 2017, Daily Mail claimed West Ham held talks with goalkeeper John Ruddy about a summer move following his release from Norwich City. However, no deal materialised and instead, he joined Wolves on a two-year deal later that year.

John Ruddy, 33, became Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper under Nuno Espirito Santo that won promotion to the Premier League in the summer of 2018. He was named in the division’s PFA Team of the Year and was awarded the EFL’s Golden Glove Award for most clean sheets.

In August 2018, he extended his contract with Wolves, signing a deal until summer 2020, despite having fallen behind Rui Patrício in the pecking order.

With Ruddy currently second-choice and having played just three games in cup competitions this season, West Ham should try their luck to sign him during the winter transfer window.

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West Ham will be in the market for a new shot-stopper next month and Ruddy, Wolves’ second-choice goalkeeper, would fit the bill, having had good Premier League experience in the past with Norwich City. Even at the ripe age of 33, the Englishman could prove to be a very good short-term signing for the Hammers.

Verdict

West Ham must tighten up their backline if they are to achieve a top-half finish this season. Signing a new goalkeeper is very important given their troubles in that position following Fabianski’s injury, and Ruddy would be a smart acquisition.