West Ham transfer news: Lukasz Fabianski explains what he will bring to Graham Potter’s side after 40-year-old’s return confirmed

West Ham United have confirmed that goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has re-joined the club on a contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

The 40-year-old was released by the Hammers in June upon the expiration of his contract after playing 216 times across seven seasons with the club.

Fabianski, a former Poland international, returns to the London Stadium where he was named Hammer of the Year award in 2019 and was part of the squad that won the Europa Conference League in 2023.

The experienced shot-stopper is ready to provide “support” for summer signing Mads Hermansen and Alphonse Areola, the former of whom has started all three Premier League games for West Ham this season since joining from Leicester City for around £20m.

Fabianski’s arrival has been confirmed just a day after backup goalkeeper Wes Foderingham completed a permanent transfer to Cypriot First Division outfit Aris Limassol.

Back in Claret and Blue ? pic.twitter.com/pLMeykDi83

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 10, 2025

Experienced Fabianski “can be useful” after making emotional West Ham return

“This is a nice surprise for me, if I’m honest, because everything happened so quick,” Fabianski told West Ham’s official website.

“I found out about the whole situation [with Foderingham potentially departing] just at the end of last week. So, for me, it was a big surprise which I’m actually really happy about as well.

“I’m really, really, really happy to be back because this club obviously means a lot for me and the people at this club as well. Seeing them again, it felt nice and beautiful.

“I think that’s why I got really emotional [on arriving at Rush Green training ground], because it was actually a lot to take in when I arrived and I saw Charlie and Stu [from the Player Care department] coming out to meet me at the car park and then seeing [administrators] Kim and Andy and Andrew [the club secretary] at the front door. It just suddenly hit me that it’s actually happening, and I think that’s why I got emotional.”

Fabianski added: “I’ve always been, and I will be for sure, a player who is always putting the team above my personal goals. I think then maybe people see me as a good person to be around, a good person to have in the team in terms of what I bring and so it’s not only about me, it’s about the team.

“I’m here to support, to keep the standards high. I have huge experience as well, so I think it can be useful. For sure, I’ll continue to work the way I’ve always been doing, which is always hopefully at a good level but, at the same time, I understand that my role is completely different.”

Back together ? pic.twitter.com/yOtj8lCaIq

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 10, 2025

Fabianski return “makes perfect sense for everyone”, says Potter

Commenting on Fabianski’s return, head coach Graham Potter said: "We are really pleased to have Lukasz back with the group.

“Regardless of him being here previously, the main factor is that he is still a top goalkeeper and a top professional, and the perfect choice for the role we needed to fill.

“It’s a signing that makes perfect sense for everyone. Lukasz knows the club extremely well, is very well respected and popular among everyone here.

“His personality and character will be a great example, especially to our younger players, and he is someone who really cares about West Ham United and wants to help us in any way he can. We are very happy to have him back with us.”

Fabianski could be in contention to be selected in the matchday squad for West Ham’s next Premier League game at home to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.