In a recent report, Tutto Bologna Web has claimed that West Ham United are among several clubs hoping to land Bologna keeper Lukasz Skorupski. It is believed that the Hammers could face competition in the form of Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in pursuit of the Polish keeper (via Tutto Bologna Web).
Skorupski’s Recent Form In Italian Football
Skorupski is having a solid season at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara after producing some impressive displays as Siniša Mihajlović’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Zabrze-born talent has been involved in 18 matches for the Italian outfit this term, conceding 24 goals and securing four clean sheets in multiple competitions.
The 29-year-old has caught the eye by averaging 1.6 clearances and 3.8 long balls per game in Serie A this season. However, he needs to be a bit more careful when distributing the ball as he has made 73.8% of his attempted passes in the Italian first division (stats via whoscored).
Skorupski has missed quite a few matches this season because of a fractured hand and has struggled to keep clean sheets, which goes to show that he still has a lot to learn at the highest level. With Fabianski entering the twilight years of his playing career, West Ham need a suitable replacement and in Skorupski, they would have a solid keeper who could fill in the shoes of his fellow countryman quite well at the London Stadium.
What Will The Polish Keeper Bring To East London?
Skorupski possesses excellent reflexes that help him to make some solid saves at the back. He can pull off a few quick dives to come to his side’s rescue and is a decent handler of the ball. However, he has been guilty of throwing away possession when passing the ball out from his penalty box.
Therefore, the Polish custodian will have to improve that area of his game if he wants to succeed at the top level. Skorupski can also come out of his lines to clear the danger every once in a while, which makes him such a valuable asset in Mihajlović’s squad.
Is Skorupski The Right Fit For The Hammers?
The way Skorupski has been playing this season, he could a good low-key signing for West Ham as they are in dire need to find a younger replacement for Fabianski. Darren Randolph has done well to fill in during Fabianski’s absence this season.
However, David Moyes would be wise to bring in someone of Skorupski’s skillset in the summer so that he has a good enough squad to challenge for European football once again next season. At 29, the four-time Poland international has got plenty of years left in him and will be a decent fit for the Hammers in the short-term.
