Pundit believes Andriy Yarmolenko deserves new West Ham contract

Former Premier League goalkeeper has claimed West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko has done enough to earn a new contract.

The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and at present, it appears that no new deal talks are on the horizon.

However, following a traumatic period in recent weeks, the Ukrainian ace has come to the fore with important goals for David Moyes’ side.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny suggested that the forward deserves recognition for recent form.

“You have to admire the guy, obviously, with everything happening in Ukraine it’s a tough time for him. You wonder if that has spurred him on. Sometimes weird things like that happen. He has been brilliant since he came in for West Ham and they have to replace Bowen. They look a bit out of ideas without him so Yarmolenko could be that creative player they need. If he keeps performing there will be conversations over a new deal, there has to be. If he ends up saving their season, which is what he has been doing, you can’t just let him go.”

So far this season Yarmolenko has scored three times and registered another three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.

This is a tough one.

Whilst recent exploits would certainly suggest that the 106-cap ace is deserving of an extended stay in east London, prior to the last month it had seemed inevitable that a departure was forthcoming.

Albeit not solely for emotional reasons due to the clear remaining quality, the Irons may refrain from offering a new deal at this stage in favour of pursuing younger alternatives.

Whatever happens, the £3.15million valued forward has been a superb servant to the Hammers and should be recognised as such.