Alavés are planning to sign goalkeeper Roberto Jiménez from West Ham this summer but will need to get rid of one of their current goalkeepers first.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who report that the Spanish side are ‘very satisfied’ with the goalkeeper after signing him on loan in the January transfer window.
The newspaper explains that those in charge of Alavés have been impressed by Jiménez’s ‘professionalism’ and ‘character’ and even though he’s conceded 19 goals in nine games they believe he’s shown a ‘good level’.
During his time at the club, he’s proven to be an ideal back up goalkeeper, having accepted his role without question and ‘raised the level of training’.
Even when he has had to play, they believe he’s shown a ‘remarkable performance’ and played a key role in the club staying in La Liga this season.
Thus, they are keen to keep him next season and Alavés’ chiefs are ‘confident’ of working out a deal with West Ham.
Jiménez also likes the idea, which is unsurprising given how much of a disaster his time at West Ham proved to be, but the whole move is dependant on an external factor; Alavés ability to get rid of one of their current keepers first.
The Spanish side, despite being in good financial health, need to reduce costs as they are facing a reduction in income of around 25-30%.
Selling either Fernando Pacheco or Antonio Sivera will help that, and if they can be moved on, it will open up the space to sign Jiménez permanently from the Hammers.
