With the transfer window set to slam shut, we look at our top targets for our substitute goalkeeper role, with Fraser Forster being linked with a move to Everton. Hugo Lloris remains as number one, but these could be useful back-ups…
Darren Randolph was born in 1987 and is an Irish professional footballer who is a goalkeeper for Premier League club West Ham United as well as the Republic of Ireland national football team. Randolph has previously played for the Republic of Ireland U21 team. He has also represented Ireland in basketball.
Having advanced through the youth levels at Ardmore Rovers and the Premier League club Charlton Athletic, Randolph went professional in 2004 with Charlton. He spent a period of time on loan at Welling United, Accrington Stanley and Gillingham prior to making his Charlton debut in the final match of the 2006–07 season. In spite of the club’s relegation from the Premier League, he was not able to cement the regular starting position and had two loan spells in 2008, at Bury as well as at Hereford United.
Having made only 20 appearances for Charlton in six years, he went on to Scottish Premier League side Motherwell in 2010. He often played for Motherwell over three years and after this went back to England to join Birmingham City, for whom he missed just one Championship match in two seasons. Randolph signed up for West Ham United in 2015 and Middlesbrough two years after this.
In 2006, Randolph made a total of ten appearances for the Republic of Ireland under-21 side and a single appearance for the Republic of Ireland B team. He made his very first full international appearance for the Republic of Ireland in September 2012, in a 4–1 win over Oman. Randolph played for the nation at UEFA Euro 2016.
Who Is Randolph’s Girlfriend?
The West Ham goalkeeper has been dating X Factor winner Alexandra Burke since 2020. On 14 February 2022, she announced that they were expecting a baby who was born in June 2022, starring on itv’s Loose Women, on 10 October she confirmed the June birth of her child.
Burke was born in Islington, London, and her mother was Melissa Bell, who was one member of the 90s R’n’B band Soul II Soul. Sadly, on 29 August 2017, Alexandra announced her mum had died aged 53, just hours after she made her Strictly debut at the official launch.
One of four children, Alexandra began dance classes from a young age and sang from five, before entering TV talent show Star For A Night at the age of 12 coming runner-up to a young Joss Stone.
She auditioned for the second series of The X Factor in 2005 (which was finally won by Shayne Ward). Burke made it through to the final seven in Louis Walsh’s 16–24 category, ultimately the top 21 of the competition however Walsh did not select her for his final four as he felt that she was too young.
How Much Does Randolph Earn?
Randolph’s successful career has allowed to accumulate a considerable fortune, and if you enjoy Australian open betting, you could do the same. His net worth in 2020 is believed to be between £731 050 and £3.6 million. Randolph is said to be one of the richest goalkeepers who was born in Ireland. He earns £42 000 per week, £2 184 000 per year His current contract expires on 30 June 2023.