Foderingham Joins West Ham

West Ham have signed goalkeeper, Wes Foderingham on a free transfer from Sheffield United.

Foderingham’s move comes after he kept just two clean sheets in 31 appearances for Sheffield Utd last season, as the Blades suffered relegation in a difficult campaign which included an embarrassing 8-0 loss at home to Newcastle United.

The 33 year-old’s transfer on a two-year contract will become official on 1 July once his contract at Sheffield Utd has expired, with Foderingham expected to provide competition for Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski in the Hammers’ first season under Julen Lopetegui.

“It feels brilliant to be a Hammer!” commented the ex Rangers keeper. “As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something that I was keen to get sorted and get done and I’m just delighted to be here.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for teams with a real strong fanbase, a fanbase that’s passionate about their club, and West Ham are no different. They’re a fanbase that care deeply about their football club, it’s a family club as well, and I find it’s always better to play for a team where you have those supporters cheering you on week in, week out.

“Especially in the last few years, the Club has had some really good success in Europe and in the Premier League as well. I think the Club has gone from strength to strength and I think I’m joining at a very, very good time as it’s a positive time for the Club.”

West Ham’s Technical Director, Tim Steidten added: “We’re really pleased to add a goalkeeper of Wes’ experience to our first team goalkeeping unit”, to boost Lopetegui’s goalkeeping options following the departures of Nathan Trott, Joseph Anang and Jacob Knightbridge.

“He’s had an esteemed career to date, including playing at the very highest level in the Premier League last year for Sheffield United – and I’m sure that under the guidance of Xavi Valero, both Alphonse and Lukasz will benefit greatly from having another established keeper working alongside them on a daily basis.”

Foderingham began his career at London rivals, Fulham and made his senior debut on loan at Bromley before he went on to play for Boreham Wood and Histon on loan whilst at Crystal Palace prior to an initial loan then permanent move to Swindon in 2011-12 season.

Whilst at Swindon, Foderingham helped the club claim promotion from League 2 to League 1 in his first season, prior to a five-season stint at Rangers in which he helped them get promoted from the Scottish Championship to Scottish Premiership.

Foderingham joined the Blades in July 2020 and made 111 appearances in total as the club were relegated in 2020-21 season to the Championship, only to regain promotion two seasons later but failed to secure top-flight survival last season.