The question of who comes in and who goes out at West Ham is on everyone’s lips with the January transfer window coming up. Joe Hart’s future at the club has been questioned ever since his arrival given that he came on loan but now more so than ever.

There is no doubt that Hart was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League at his peak with Manchester City. He was a crucial factor in two Premier League titles and kept Manchester City in many games. Let’s not forget that he also performed at the highest level in the Champions League.

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What happened?

Hart started our first 14 Premier League games but he has not lived up to expectations. Yes, our lack of defensive organisation meant that Hart was constantly exposed but he made numerous mistakes which cost us. In his last game in the Premier League, Hart gave away a penalty and his poor clearance led to Wayne Rooney scoring the goal of the season.

It was the game against Manchester City earlier this month where everything changed for Hart. He was unavailable to play as they were his parent club with Adrian stepping in and performing very well. Hart has failed to play in the Premier League since then and with Adrian consistent in his performances, it’s hard to see a way back for Hart.

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The future?

So what’s next? With the World Cup quickly approaching, it is crucial for every player to be playing consistently for their club side. Gareth Southgate, when speaking in November, said that players “need to be in a rhythm of playing if they are going to come in and be successful with us” (BBC). Jack Wilshere was also not chosen for the squad with Southgate arguing that “I don’t know how you get in the England squad without getting in the Arsenal team.”

Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland have been threatening Hart’s spot for a while and his place as England’s number one is under serious threat. The number of games that Hart will play has now reduced given that we were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Arsenal. There is still the FA Cup though is this enough for Hart to convince Southgate?

It is a crucial season for Hart and he has to be the first-choice goalkeeper for West Ham. If Adrian continues to start, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Hart move to another club on loan.