West Ham in Further Discussions to Sign Former Champions League Winner, Lopetegui ‘Keen’ – Report

According to the paper’s website on September 2, Julen Lopetegui is eager to bolster the center of West Ham’s defense after seeing both Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma depart on loan.

Despite the arrivals of Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, Angelo Ogbonna also left the club as his contract expired.

Lopetegui named teenager Kaelan Casey on the bench against Manchester City last weekend, indicating a need to strengthen his backup options beyond Konstantinos Mavropanos.

West Ham is considering former Liverpool stalwart Joel Matip as an option. Matip, who has played 150 Premier League games with Liverpool, is a seasoned performer in the English top flight.

However, at 33 and recently recovering from a serious knee injury, signing him would only be favorable if he agrees to a significantly reduced salary.

Otherwise, retaining Zouma or Aguerd might have been a simpler choice.

John Egan, a former Sheffield United player, is also being considered to expand Lopetegui’s defensive options, according to Dharmesh Sheth on September 2.

However, the 31-year-old spent much of the last season injured.

The fact that both Matip and Egan remain available after the transfer window suggests that fitness concerns are likely a significant factor.

The Hammers also expressed interest in German World Cup winner Mats Hummels over the summer, as reported by Florian Plettenberg on August 6.

Hummels, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, remains an option, with Sean Whetstone reporting on September 3 that he is becoming a “preferred option.”

At 35, Hummels is the oldest of the three and lacks experience outside the Bundesliga, but he did make 40 appearances last season, including starting in every game leading up to the Champions League final.

Ultimately, having loaned out several players to reduce the wage bill, West Ham’s decision will likely hinge on financial considerations.