Goalkeeper completes West Ham return

 

West Ham have completed the signing of Darren Randolph from Championship side Middlesbrough. 

 

The Hammers sold the goalkeeper to Boro back in 2017, but have elected to re-sign the 32-year-old as an able deputy for Lukasz Fabianski. 

 

The Pole is set for another spell on the sidelines, leaving David Moyes with David Martin or Roberto Jimenez as his two fit senior goalkeepers. 

 

Randolph has penned a three-and-a-half year deal at the London Stadium and, having overcome a thigh issue, is expected to start between the sticks in West Ham's welcome of Everton on Saturday. 

 

"West Ham United is pleased to confirm the return of Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Darren Randolph to the Club," a statement read on the club's official website. 

 

"The 32-year-old joins the Hammers on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Championship side Middlesbrough – the club he moved to from east London in the summer of 2017." 

 

"He excelled during his two-and-a-half seasons for Boro, being voted into the EFL Championship PFA Team of the Year and Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year in 2019." 

 

 

On his return to east London, Randolph said: “I’m delighted to be back at West Ham United. I had two great years at the Club previously and still have a lot of friends here, so I had no hesitation in coming back. West Ham is a massive club, with fantastic supporters and an excellent squad of players. 

 

“It’s a great challenge for me and I am really looking forward to working with the goalkeepers here and helping the team in any way I can.  

 

“I’d like to thank everyone at Middlesbrough – the management, staff, players and fans – for their support. I had a great time there and wish them all the very best for the rest of the season. 

 

“This opportunity was simply too good to turn down, though. It’s a great feeling to be back in the Premier League with such a fantastic club, and I can’t wait to get started.” 

 

Since the start of the 2018/19 Championship season, only Jack Butland (22) has kept more clean sheets than Randolph (21) in England's second tier.