Despite West Ham adding just 4 senior team players to their squad over the summer transfer window, the east Londoners haven’t looked out of depth.
However, they could be losing backup goalie Adrian in January, as the Spaniard is frustrated at his lack of playing time.
Although not impressive enough, Manchester City star and England international Joe Hart has been in goal since arriving London Stadium on a season-long loan in the summer, with Adrian only seeing action during the Carabao Cup wins over Cheltenham Town and Bolton.
The 30-year-old wants to call time on his 5-season stay with the Hammers, as he knows a lack of Premier League football will increase his chances of missing out on Spain’s squad to Russia 2018.
Adrian received his first call-up to the senior Spain squad for matches against Belgium and Liechtenstein last August, and is looking to go elsewhere for regular football in order to have a shot at a national team debut.
The former Real Betis shotstopper said of his frustrations and plans: “I just have to keep on fighting, showing the manager that Adrian is still a good ‘keeper.
“And well, if I don’t get enough chances, [I will] try to find the best solution for both sides. Like any player I’m happy on the pitch, playing matches. And at the age I’m at, I think I have to play.
“If the situation remains as is, there’s a transfer window in December, and after that one, there’s one in the summer.
“I’ll just have one year left on my contract and we’d have to reach an agreement because it’s clear that I’m not happy with the way things are.
“I have not received the chances I feel I’ve earned with my performances, but sometimes football is that way and I’ll have to keep on fighting.”
Newcastle and Crystal Palace were interested in Adrian during the summer transfer window, and having expressed his desire to leave, the EPL duo and other suitors are likely to come calling by January.
