Why Bournemouth would be wise to sign Butland instead of Begovic

According to a report from Sky Sports, West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The 32-year-old has been on loan with Qarabag since the summer and could be set for a Premier League return. Begovic, 32, found himself down the Bournemouth pecking order over the summer as Aaron Ramsdale took the first-choice role.

Begovic, who earns £70,000 per week, joined the Cherries in the summer of 2017. The 6ft 6in stopper has 62 international caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina to his name, making it clear that he is a well-established player.

Lukasz Fabianski is the Hammers’ current No. 1 but he needs more competition. Begovic would provide that and he would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Roberto and David Martin.

It is worth remembering, however, that Fabianski will be 35 in April. Thus, West Ham should be looking at a younger goalkeeper who can provide competition and cover for the Pole now.

West Ham are also looking to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland for £20 million in January, according to the Daily Star. The 26-year-old ace, capped nine times by England, was one of the most highly sought-after stoppers a few years back.

But with Stoke’s recent struggles, his stock has fallen. Butland is still a top-class goalkeeper though and he would be a useful addition for West Ham. Standing at 6ft 5in tall, Butland commands his area with authority and he is a reassuring presence for his defenders.

He also has Premier League experience, which is absolutely crucial for West Ham’s next goalkeeper signing.

Although Stoke got relegated from the Premier League, he stayed on with the Potters and has started 59 of their 67 Championship matches since then.

Verdict

Someone like Stoke City’s Jack Butland would be a much better option for the Hammers. He would be more expensive but this month’s transfer window is a vitally important one for West Ham. And bringing in the Bosnian would be the wrong way to go about their business as he would be a short-term fix for a long-term problem.

The Hammers need to end the practice of signing has-beens past their best on big wages. The whole culture at the football club is broken. And bringing in Begovic would only add to that problem in the long-term.