Surprise clause included as West Ham announce deal for ageing star Lukasz Fabianski

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Something of a surprise clause has been included as West Ham announced a new deal for ageing star Lukasz Fabianski.

It had been widely reported that West Ham had already agreed a new one-year contract extension with Fabianski.

The Polish fan favourite turns 38 next season and – following the permanent signing of Alphonse Areola – is expected to transition into being West Ham’s cup and European goalkeeper.

Surprise clause included as West Ham announce deal for ageing star Lukasz Fabianski

Young goalkeeper Nathan Trott signed a new contract at West Ham last week until 2024 – with the option of extending that further still to 2026.

And many believe that is all part of David Moyes’ Hammers succession plan with Trott eyed as the long-term back-up for Areola when Fabianski departs.

But there was something of a surprise clause included as West Ham announced the deal for ageing star Fabianski.

Because the new one-year contract contains a clause for West Ham to extend the former Arsenal man’s deal by a further year – which would take him beyond his 39th birthday.

“West Ham United are pleased to confirm that Łukasz Fabiański has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2023, with an option to extend for a further year,” West Ham confirmed on the club’s official website.

“I’m obviously pleased and very happy that I can stay for one more year, so I’m excited about it, for sure.

“The way the club has developed and started to reach its potential, it’s been really nice to be part of it. I can see how much attention this club draws when it comes to interacting with the fans or the way it’s being presented in the media.

“I think there’s a lot of interest into the club, so it feels like this club is one of the bigger ones in the country, so I’m just honoured and proud to be part of this club for a few years now.”

Fabianski will be one of the oldest players to have played in the Premier League should he stay for another two years.

There were some question marks over Fabianski’s reactions towards the end of last season.

But this is actually clever business from West Ham. Fabianski keeps himself in great shape and by all accounts is a consummate professional and cool, calm presence in the squad.

The clause means West Ham are not under pressure to rush Trott’s progress or go out and find another goalkeeper in the transfer market next summer.

And the Hammers are in control, meaning they don’t have to exercise the option should they not wish to or deem it necessary.

A wise move from a club that seems to increasingly be making sensible transfer and contract choices under Moyes.

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