Exclusive: West Ham in talks to sign 'world class' free agent who left Pep Guardiola blown away in 2022
09/03/2024 06:16 AM
- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
West Ham United signed 10 new players in the summer transfer window and their business may not be finished just yet.
The Hammers have fully backed newly-appointed manager Julen Lopetegui having outlaid around £121m, which doesn’t include the £35m they could end up paying for Jean-Clair Todibo next year if they take up his option to buy.
And yet, they are still in the market for further reinforcements despite the window slamming shut on August 30th.
West Ham are fishing in the free agent market and TBR Football now have the latest information.
West Ham in talks to sign former Liverpool defender Joel Matip
TBR Football understands West Ham are considering a free transfer arrival to bolster their defensive options.
They spoke to Mats Hummels earlier in the window and he remains free, the German also spoke at length to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Coincidentally one of the clubs in talks with Hummels was Real Sociedad but their need for him went when they secured Aguerd from The Hammers.
We understand that talks have taken place with Joel Matip – whilst others including John Egan, Koffi Djidji and Merveille Bokadi have been offered – however, the latter is heading to Turkey and is set to join Erzurumspor.
Joel Matip would be a brilliant signing for West Ham
Joel Matip left Liverpool in July upon the expiry of his contract and remains available for clubs on a free transfer.
The centre-back was a Jurgen Klopp favourite and made over 200 appearances for The Reds over an eight year period.
Pep Guardiola was left blown away by Matip after his display against Manchester City in December 2022, so evidently, if he were to join West Ham – they’d be getting a top-level defender.
