---
title: "Fabian Balbuena ‘decides’ to leave this summer"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2021/03/04/fabian-balbuena-decides-to-leave-this-summer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2021-03-04T09:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-03-04T10:54:37Z"
---

# Fabian Balbuena ‘decides’ to leave this summer

[West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2021/03/04/trevor-sinclair-a-huge-fan-of-reported-west-ham-target-tammy-abraham/) defender[Fabian Balbuena](https://readwestham.com/2021/03/02/paul-robinson-says-fabian-balbuena-will-leave-this-summer/)has decided to leave the club in the summer according to a report from insiders [Claret and Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/defender-now-tipped-to-move-on-in-the-summer/).

The report claims the Paraguay international has made up his mind regarding his future and will seek pastures new when[his contract expires](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/profil/spieler/285548) at the end of this season.

Portuguese transfer expert [Pedro Almeida](https://twitter.com/pedrogva6/status/1366463994408673283?s=20) has recently suggested Balbuena could return to Brazil, having[signed for the Hammers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44833663) from Corinthians back in 2018.

Balbuena, 29, has fallen out of favour at the London Stadium having been a [mainstay in David Moyes’ side](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/285548/saison/2020/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/379) during the early weeks of the season, making [16 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/285548/plus/0?saison=2020&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=)in all competitions. ,

However, a combination of [injury](https://sportwitness.co.uk/i-felt-strong-pain-west-ham-defender-details-injury-issues-tough-competition-spot-team/)and [Craig Dawson’s form](https://www.sofascore.com/player/craig-dawson/50027) has meant Balbuena’s opportunities have been limited and this could be his last season in east London.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Having looked a certainty for a new deal before Christmas, the [14-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/nationalmannschaft/spieler/285548/verein_id/3581) ace’s [demise in Moyes’ plans](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/leistungsdaten/spieler/285548)has been stark and now an amicable departure seems best for all parties.

Still with[plenty to offer](https://www.sofascore.com/player/fabian-balbuena/339447), there’s bound to be interest from European clubs, and perhaps even Premier League sides.

In terms of a replacement, the Hammers may well dip into the market once again but much of that may depend on [what is decided with Craig Dawson](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9197991/Watford-offer-West-Ham-chance-sign-Craig-Dawson-permanently-3m-month.html).

January arrival and [highly regarded youngster Frederik Alves](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-moyes-staff-excited-by-alves-earmark-major-west-ham-role-for-him-next-season/) would appear [to be the next cab](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/frederik-alves/leistungsdaten/spieler/542690) off the central defensive rank.