West Ham United are pursuing the signing of free agent Joel Matip in an out-of-window transfer, following his departure from Liverpool.
Julen Lopetegui is not happy with the options that he has in the heart of the defence. The Spanish manager wants more depth and with the transfer window now over, West Ham United are exploring the free-agent market as they look to sign a new centre-back. According to Dharmesh Sheth, the Hammers are considering making a move for the services of Joel Matip.
The Cameroonian international came up the ranks at FC Schalke 04 and made quite a name for himself while playing for their first team before joining Liverpool in the summer of 2016. He was an important part of their first team under Jurgen Klopp and played a big part in all the success they had over the years.
The 33-year-old featured in over 200 matches for them and contributed towards 17 goals during his time at the club. However, Joel Matip parted ways with the club in the summer following the end of his contract, and he has been a free agent since.
While the African defender has been linked with quite a few well-known Premier League clubs, nothing concrete has happened so far, and he is still available on a free transfer. Premier League outfit West Ham United are looking to sign the former Liverpool star.
West Ham keen on signing Matip
Lopetegui’s team have signed quite a few players in the summer. West Ham have significantly bolstered their squad, but they still lack sufficient depth in the heart of the defence. The Hammers only have three out-and-out centre-backs left in their squad with Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd leaving the club on a temporary basis last week.
While West Ham have managed to bring Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman to the squad to bolster their defence, they need more options at the back. So, with the window now over, West Ham are looking at the free-agent market for solutions.
Joel Matip is one of the names on their radar. He has a lot of experience of playing in the Premier League with Liverpool and will hardly take any time to settle in. The Hammers are already in talks with the Liverpool icon’s representatives as they look to secure a Bosman move in the coming days.
