Gaetan Coucke is reportedly open about a move to West Ham United amid widespread speculation surrounding the 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper.
According to HITC via Gazet Van Antwerpen, Gaetan Coucke is keen on moving to West Ham United in the summer transfer window, with the east London club showing an interest in the 24-year-old goalkeeper. David Moyes is looking for a quality option between the sticks and may focus on the Belgian.
Gaetan Coucke has been impressive for KV Mechelen this season as he continues to prove his worth between the sticks. The 23-year-old has a move away to one of the top-five leagues in mind and may have done his best to catch some attention.
There have been eyeballs from clubs in France and Italy, while West Ham United are also interested in the Belgian shot-stopper. The Hammers are keen on signing a new goalkeeper as they could potentially lose two of their current stars in the next window.
Lukasz Fabianski’s contract expires in the summer, and despite Moyes expressing his desire to keep the Pole for another season, his contract is yet to be extended. There is a real danger that West Ham will lose their first-choice goalkeeper in the summer and his deputy, Alphonse Areola.
Areola moved to the London Stadium from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan deal. Moyes wanted to bring someone who could replace Fabianski and become their long-term goalkeeper. However, the French international has largely played second-fiddle to the West Ham no. 1 and might not join the Hammers permanently.
West Ham hold an option to buy Areola in the summer, but whether they plan to exercise it remains a big question. Moyes may look to keep the Frenchman around, although Premier League hopefuls Fulham are keen on re-signing him for next season.
If West Ham lose one or both of their current goalkeepers, there could be a real need for a new stopper. Coucke could be a long-term option, although it is unlikely he will be signed as their first choice. Coucke recently admitted he could be interested in joining the clubs linked with him.
The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper said, “Nice list! (They are) clubs that I would definitely consider if they came with a concrete proposal. I also have an option in my contract here that Mechelen can extend me. In that case, I will be there for two more years. But I haven’t heard from (the club) yet.”
“Going abroad has always been a dream. And I feel ready for this next step. But, in itself, I’m still good in Mechelen. If a good offer comes in from a good club, then I will consider it, European football or not.”
KV Mechelen hold an option to extend Coucke’s stay by a further year. They could leverage it by demanding a reasonable fee from suitors in the summer. The Belgian goalkeeper could move to a club where he may play regularly, which may not be the case in the Premier League.
As for joining West Ham, Coucke may have to bide his time at the club to convince Moyes that he is the long-term option he seeks. The summer transfer window could be the 23-year-old’s chance to get a move away from Belgium and make a mark for himself.
