AliousWest Ham United has reportedly offered a two-year contract to free agent Joel Matip as they seek to strengthen their defense under new manager Julen Lopetegui, according to Caught Offside.
The Hammers had a busy summer transfer window, adding nine new players to support Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes.
While they reinforced their central defense with Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, the late departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd on deadline day left them short-staffed.
With only three senior center-backs remaining, West Ham is exploring the free agent market.
Matip, a former Premier League and Champions League winner with Liverpool, has emerged as a top target.
The 33-year-old Cameroonian, described as “exceptional” by Jurgen Klopp, is recovering from a serious knee injury but is nearing a return.
However, West Ham faces competition from Fulham, Bournemouth, and Leicester City for Matip’s signature.
The defender is reportedly not entirely convinced by West Ham’s offer, possibly due to concerns about playing time.
Simultaneously, West Ham is reportedly close to signing former Sheffield United captain John Egan on a free transfer.
Egan has already participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the club against Doncaster Rovers.
In addition to their defensive pursuits, West Ham’s summer signings included Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Fernandez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Carlos Soler, while James Ward-Prowse left on loan for Nottingham Forest.
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