Rob Elliot will be the only Irish goalkeeper playing in the Premier League next season as it has emerged that West Ham United have agreed to sell goalkeeper Darren Randolph to relegated Middlesbrough.
Ever since the London club's interest in Joe Hart became clear, it was obvious that they did not see Randolph or Adrian as their starting goalkeeper after the two shared duties in the league last season.
It had been reported that Newcastle were eyeing up a bid for Randolph as recently as last week, but it seems that Middlesbrough have agreed a deal and the player is due for a medical on Teeside tomorrow.
BREAKING: The club has agreed a deal in principle with @WestHamUtd for goalkeeper @RandzOfficial. ⚪️?
Full story ?? https://t.co/oq1ZGOUaNj pic.twitter.com/K8bhXU0L1I— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) July 21, 2017
West Ham agree deal to sell goalkeeper Darren Randolph to Middlesbrough. Medical tomorrow
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 21, 2017
While we would always like to see Irish talent playing in the Premier League, this move means regular first team football for the Bray man and that is what really matters.
Boro need a goalkeeper to help give them a chance of bouncing back up at the first attempt having allowed Brad Guzan and Victor Valdes to leave the club, and Randolph will offer them Championship experience as well as a proven ability to play at the higher level.
Although he was dropped by Slaven Bilic towards the back end of last season he retained his spot as Ireland's #1 despite pressure from Kieran Westwood who has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship for the past three or four seasons, and regular playing time will surely be a positive for Martin O'Neill going forward.
Best of luck, Darren.
