West Ham United will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old English defender CJ Egan-Riley from Premier League promotion-chasing Burnley in the summer transfer window.
According to an update by ExWHUEmployee, as relayed by West Ham Way, CJ Egan-Riley is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Burnley defender has emerged as a target for the East London club.
Who is CJ Egan-Riley?
CJ Egan-Riley has been one of the best defenders in the EFL Championship this season. A native of Manchester, the Englishman spent his formative years in his hometown and graduated from the fabled youth division at Manchester City. However, he has risen in prominence during his stint with Burnley.
The Clarets signed the 22-year-old centre-back in July 2022, but he has enjoyed his breakthrough at the EFL Championship club in the ongoing campaign. Egan-Riley has turned out nearly 50 times thus far for the Premier League promotion-chasing outfit while chipping in with one goal.
However, the English defender’s contract situation has left Burnley in a spot of bother as he has entered the final few months of his deal with the EFL Championship club. The situation has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Premier League return on the horizon?
West Ham United’s interest in CJ Egan-Riley makes sense. The Hammers are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Jean-Clair Todibo’s long-term future. In addition, Konstantinos Mavropanos has blown hot and cold during his spell with West Ham.
So, the Hammers need a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, with the 22-year-old Englishman emerging as a viable target. In addition, the Burnley defender’s impending free-agent status makes him an attractive target for West Ham.
Meanwhile, the Hammers have other targets on their wishlist, including Egan-Riley’s Burnley teammate Maxime Esteve. So, it will be interesting to see who reinforces West Ham’s central defensive unit in the summer transfer window.
