West Ham confirm signing of 'esteemed' ex Fulham and Rangers talent

West Ham have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham following his departure from Sheffield United as a free agent this summer.

The Hammers announced the news on Wednesday as a busy summer of transfer action continues at the London Stadium. Foderingham is expected to provide back-up for Alphonse Areola and Lukas Fabianski as he comes to work under Julen Lopetegui.

The news comes with 25-year-old academy product Nathan Trott expected to complete a switch to FC Copenhagen in the coming weeks. Trott has spent the last two seasons on loan at Danish side Vejle.

Foderingham arrives at West Ham with a wealth of experience to his name. The 33-year-old made 30 top flight appearances for the Blades last season and was a key part of the side that secured Championship promotion in 2023.

The shot-stopper started his career in the Fulham youth academy and spent a decade working his way up through the ranks at Craven Cottage before moving to Crystal Palace in 2010. Foderingham never made a first team appearance for those London clubs, being sent on loan spells, before then moving to Swindon Town in 2012.

As he put pen to paper on a two-year deal at West Ham, Foderingham said: “It feels brilliant to be a Hammer! As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something that I was keen to get sorted and get done and I’m just delighted to be here.

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“I've been fortunate to play for teams with a real strong fanbase, a fanbase that's passionate about their club, and West Ham are no different. They're a fanbase that care deeply about their football club, it’s a family club as well, and I find it's always better to play for a team where you have those supporters cheering you on week in, week out.

"Especially in the last few years, the Club has had some really good success in Europe and in the Premier League as well. I think the Club has gone from strength to strength and I think I'm joining at a very, very good time as it's a positive time for the Club."

Foderingham was also praised by West Ham technical director Tim Steidten as an 'esteemed' player who he hopes will help push Areola and Fabianski. Before becoming a Sheffield United player, the goalkeeper also turned out for Rangers in Scotland.

While with the Glasgow giants, he made 143 appearances for the Gers, winning the Scottish Championship in 2016.