Lukasz Fabianski has made a surprise return to West Ham United just months after what appeared to be a permanent farewell.
West Ham confirmed Fabianski’s return late on Wednesday night (September 10) via an official club announcement.
The 40-year-old has signed a contract through to the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing him back to the London Stadium where he enjoyed a seven-year spell and become a huge fan favorite.
Fabianski made 216 appearances for the Hammers in his first stint, playing a pivotal role in their 2023 Conference League triumph under David Moyes.
It was announced at the end of last season that Fabianski would depart the London Stadium as his contract ended, but West Ham have now U-turned on that decision
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Reflecting on his return, Fabianski said he was delighted to be back in claret and blue.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
What does this mean for West Ham?
Fabianski’s return brings some much-needed experience to Graham Potter’s goalkeeping unit following the departure of former England Under-19 international Wes Foderingham.
West Ham signed Danish international Mads Hermansen from Leicester City for £20m in August, though the 24-year-old has had a shaky start as Potter’s first choice between the posts.
Alphonse Areola remains part of the rotation too, featuring in the Hammers’ recent 3-2 EFL Cup defeat to Wolves.
Super Fab 😁 pic.twitter.com/hkSkwW9wTy
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 10, 2025
Fabianski is likely to operate as third-choice this season, but Potter will no doubt have been keen to add his presence, character, and leadership to the dressing room.
“We are really pleased to have Lukasz back with the group,” Potter said.
“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.”
Fabianski’s leadership and familiarity with the club could prove just as important off the pitch as Potter’s side aim to improve on last season’s disappointing 14th-place Premier League finish.
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