£60k-A-Week West Ham Star Set For Free Exit: Right Decision?

West Ham could part company with Alphonse Areola next summer, with his contract running until June 2027 and a further-year option available. Transfermarkt confirms the existing expiry date and option.

Claret & Hugh reports that the 33-year-old goalkeeper looks increasingly likely to leave once his current deal ends, particularly because of his position within the squad and the financial burden attached to his contract.

Areola joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022 after an initial loan spell. West Ham‘s announcement confirmed a five-year contract with an additional year option.

His time in East London included a major European success, with Areola starting West Ham’s 2023 Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentina. He made 15 appearances in that competition during the campaign.

This season, though, his role has changed dramatically. He is an unused substitute in West Ham’s early Championship and EFL Cup matches, with no minutes played.

Should West Ham allow Alphonse Areola to leave for free?

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Alphonse Areola of West Ham United looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on April 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Yes, based on the current situation, West Ham have a strong case for allowing Areola to depart rather than extending his stay.

His experience remains valuable. The Frenchman has played at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, won the 2023 Conference League with West Ham and earned five France caps. Yet experience means little if a goalkeeper cannot secure regular selection.

Mads Hermansen now occupies the main goalkeeping role, while Areola has watched the opening competitive fixtures from the sidelines. That makes his reported salary particularly significant. Capology lists his estimated wage at £120,000 per week, although the figure is not an official club disclosure.

A relegation-related reduction to £60,000 would still leave West Ham paying roughly £240,000 every four weeks for a goalkeeper who has recorded zero competitive minutes this season. That money could matter more elsewhere, especially after relegation ended West Ham’s 14-year Premier League stay.

Areola’s shot-stopping remains a genuine asset, yet his reported concerns with crosses and distribution make the tactical argument harder to ignore. The rumours of friction with Nuno should remain exactly that unless stronger evidence emerges. Still, with his contract ending in 2027 and the club holding an option, keeping an expensive reserve goalkeeper looks difficult to justify for West Ham.