Not quite a prodigal son, perhaps, but Graham Potter is welcoming Lukasz Fabianski back to West Ham United with open arms as the veteran goalkeeper adds one final chapter to his Premier League story.
A story whose credits appeared to roll back in June, Fabianski’s contract expiring and the Poland international bidding an emotional farewell to a club where he had spent arguably the best years of his career.
Only three months later, however, the Europa Conference League-winning shot-stopper is back in the familiar surroundings of Rush Green.
It emerged earlier this week that West Ham may offer Fabianski a new deal. Wes Foderingham left for Cypriot side Aris Limassol on Monday, leaving Graham Potter one goalkeeper light.
Now, Lukasz Fabianski accepts that the role he takes up is ‘completely different’ from the one he had previously in East London. Instead of battling for the starting spot, the 40-year-old former Arsenal and Swansea City glovesman will now perform third-choice duties a la Scott Carson at Manchester City or Tom Heaton at Manchester United.
Yet, Potter is convinced that Fabianski’s return is a move which makes ‘perfect sense’ for all parties.
Graham Potter explains why West Ham United re-signed Lukasz Fabianski
His vast know-how and excellent leadership skills should only benefit a side who lost so much experience over the summer.
Alongside Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal, Michail Antonio, Danny Ings, Kurt Zouma and Aaron Cresswell also said their goodbyes.
Fabianski could also prove to be an excellent mentor for Mads Hermansen. The £18 million signing from Leicester City is 15 years his junior, and will surely benefit from the knowledge his veteran teammate can impart after a difficult start to life in the capital.
“We are really pleased to have Lukasz back with the group,” Potter tells the official West Ham website while rattling off four reasons why Fabianski’s homecoming makes sense; his quality, his knowledge of the club, his personality, and his ability to inspire the next generation.
“Regardless of him being here previously, the main factor is that he is still a top goalkeeper and a top professional, and the perfect choice for the role we needed to fill.
“It’s a signing that makes perfect sense for everyone. Lukasz knows the club extremely well. [He] is very well respected and popular among everyone here. His personality and character will be a great example, especially to our younger players.
“And he is someone who really cares about West Ham United and wants to help us in any way he can. We are very happy to have him back with us.”
Fabianski lands dream London return after rejecting Legia Warsaw
Fabianski joined West Ham from Swansea back in 2018. He made over 200 appearances during his first spell at the club.
It remains to be seen if he will add to that impressive tally, having signed a short-term deal until the end of the current campaign.
One suspects that, with Alphonse Areola providing support for Mads Hermansen, the closest Fabianski will come may be a place in the matchday squad in the early rounds of the FA Cup barring an injury to either of Potter’s first-choice duo.
Interestingly, Fabianski rejected a return to Poland with Legia Warsaw shortly after becoming a free-agent at the beginning of the summer.
The plan was always to keep his family in England. London, preferably. So, while a West Ham return may bring about an end to Fabianski’s time playing regular first-team football, it does suit him down to the ground for reasons away from the pitch.
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