“We want to sign him NOW. That Position is our PRIORITY” – West Ham manager now aiming to complete deal with star player who David Moyes wanted to sign years ago. Lopetegui also wants to sign top-rated…

West Ham United is currently in the market for a new center-back, considering a move for John Egan, a player who has been on their radar for a couple of years. Despite bringing in two new defenders during the summer transfer window, West Ham finds themselves short in central defense after loaning out Nayef Aguerd to Real Sociedad and Kurt Zouma to Al-Orobah in Saudi Arabia. This has prompted the club to explore options in the free-agent market, with Egan emerging as a prominent candidate.

Egan, an experienced defender and Republic of Ireland international, became a free agent after leaving Sheffield United at the end of the last season. Talks are currently underway between West Ham and Egan as he potentially eyes a return to the Premier League. In fact, reports indicate that Egan may even feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly for West Ham against Dagenham and Redbridge, as the club evaluates his fitness and readiness for top-flight football.

The pursuit of Egan isn’t new for West Ham. Back in September 2022, during David Moyes’ tenure as manager, the club was reportedly prepared to offer £12 million to sign Egan from Sheffield United. Moyes had identified Egan as a top defensive target, but a deal never materialized. Now, two years later, with Moyes no longer at the helm, Egan could still find his way to the London Stadium under current manager Julen Lopetegui.

Egan’s performances for Sheffield United in both the Premier League and Championship earned him widespread praise, including from football pundit Charlie Nicholas, who described him as “absolutely brilliant” and a “warrior” on the field. However, Egan’s career hit a significant hurdle in September 2023 when he suffered a serious Achilles injury during a match against West Ham, which has kept him out of action since then.

Given Egan’s injury history, West Ham will need to thoroughly assess his current fitness before committing to a deal. Although Egan has been a reliable and formidable presence in defense throughout his career, his long absence from competitive play due to the Achilles injury raises concerns about his ability to immediately adapt to the rigors of Premier League football.

West Ham’s interest in Egan comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen their defensive options. During the summer, the club made ambitious moves by signing Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, both of whom are expected to play key roles in the club’s defense this season. However, with the departures of Aguerd and Zouma, the need for additional depth has become apparent, leading the club to explore options like Egan and other free agents.

Another name that has been linked with West Ham is Joel Matip, a seasoned center-back with extensive Premier League experience. However, with Matip reportedly on the verge of signing with Roma, West Ham may need to focus their attention on other targets, including Egan, to address their defensive needs.

For Egan, joining West Ham would represent a significant opportunity to re-establish himself in the Premier League after his injury setback. At nearly 32 years old, Egan brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities that could benefit West Ham’s defense, especially as they navigate a challenging Premier League campaign.

As the club considers its options, Egan’s potential signing will hinge on the results of his medical evaluation and the club’s assessment of his ability to contribute at the highest level. If West Ham determines that Egan is fully recovered and ready to make an impact, a deal could be finalized, allowing Egan to continue his career in the Premier League with a new challenge at the London Stadium.

In conclusion, West Ham United’s pursuit of John Egan reflects the club’s need for experienced defensive reinforcements following the departures of key players on loan. Egan’s past performances and potential to recover from his Achilles injury make him a viable option for the Hammers. As the club evaluates their options, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Egan will indeed join West Ham and bolster their defensive ranks for the ongoing season.