Joel Matip has been given a Premier League opportunity as West Ham looks to add a central defender on a free transfer. The former Liverpool player has been without a team for nearly three months. West Ham recently loaned out both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, prompting new manager Julen Lopetegui to seek additional defensive reinforcements.
Matip, now 33, is among those being considered, with discussions for a potential agreement expected to continue this week. The Hammers are also interested in 31-year-old John Egan, who left Sheffield United this summer.
Lopetegui’s squad has already bolstered their defense by acquiring Max Kilman for £40 million and bringing in Jean-Clair Todibo on loan, with an option to make the deal permanent for £34.2 million next summer. Despite these additions, West Ham’s recent losses—a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City and a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa in their season opener—highlight the ongoing need to strengthen their backline./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73561607/2038714866.0.jpg)
West Ham academy graduate Kaelan Casey, 19, was on the bench during Saturday’s match, but Lopetegui is hoping one of the free-agent defenders could provide a valuable option alongside Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Todibo.
Matip, who left Liverpool after the expiration of his contract at the end of last season, had spent eight years and made 201 appearances for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp. He has not played since December 3 due to a knee injury. Egan, meanwhile, departed Sheffield United after six years and 200 appearances.
