Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson expects West Ham central defender Fabian Balbuena to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Balbuena has rarely been seen since the turn of the year as hasn’t appeared in the league since the 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in the dying embers of December.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham and England stopper Robinson said:
”I think he will leave this summer, he is too far gone into his contract now. If it hasn’t been sorted by now it does not look very likely. West Ham played a three at the back against Manchester City and Cresswell was the third. Balbuena is not a player I see as part of the long-term plans. His exit would give David Moyes another space in the squad and more wages to be able to manipulate a squad and a side that he wants.”
Since his arrival from Corinthians in the summer of 2018 the 29-year-old Paraguay international has been a reliable servant for the Hammers, making 59 appearances and contributing three goals in that time.
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Craig Dawson’s performances since getting his opportunity might’ve ultimately put pay to Balbuena’s career in east London.
Having been a mainstay alongside Angelo Ogbonna in the early weeks of the season and during his spell with the club, it looked a shoo-in the experienced defender would be offered a new deal.
Fast forward six months and he can barely get a look in and is fast approaching the end of his contract, seemingly with no offer of a new deal on the horizon.
Balbuena’s departure, coupled with Winston Reid’s likely permanent sale will leave West Ham in dire need of a defender signing.
