“We’ve offered him a new deal. Negotiations are currently ongoing” – West Ham continues negotiations to sign star player despite Transfer window closure, reveals the PLAN to fill up spaces left by players exit.

West Ham United is reportedly in advanced talks to sign former Liverpool defender Joel Matip, despite recent comments from manager Julen Lopetegui downplaying the possibility of further additions to the squad. The Hammers find themselves thin in defense following several summer departures, including key figures Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma, and Nayef Aguerd, who all left during the transfer window.

Defensive Crisis at West Ham

West Ham’s defensive situation is a growing concern. Angelo Ogbonna departed after the expiration of his contract and has since joined Championship side Watford. Kurt Zouma secured a late loan move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Orobah, while Nayef Aguerd moved to Real Sociedad, also on loan. This left the club with a threadbare central defense, with only a few senior options to rely on for the entire 2024/25 Premier League season.

The lack of depth in central defense has put the new West Ham boss, Julen Lopetegui, under significant pressure. While the club did make some defensive signings over the summer, bringing in Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £40 million and Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice on an initial loan (with a nearly guaranteed £35 million permanent transfer), the squad remains worryingly thin. Aside from these two new recruits, the only other senior central defender available is Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has been performing well but remains West Ham’s only other established center-back.

With such limited options, West Ham is at risk of a defensive crisis should injuries or suspensions hit. The current defensive lineup, while bolstered by Kilman and Todibo, remains far less experienced than the options Lopetegui had when he first took charge.

Young Talent in the Wings

West Ham’s defensive depth is further weakened by the inexperience of Kaelan Casey, a promising young academy product. Casey has only made two first-team appearances, and while he shows great potential, he cannot yet be relied upon to fill the shoes of more experienced defenders like Ogbonna and Zouma.

This has led to increasing speculation that West Ham is looking for additional defensive reinforcements, particularly from the pool of free agents. This contrasts with Lopetegui’s recent statement ahead of their match against Fulham, where he seemed to dismiss the notion of further signings.

“We did the best we could to improve the squad all over the pitch. Some players left us, but we’ve brought in great talent, and now we’re fully focused on the group we’ve got,” Lopetegui said. Despite these reassurances, rumors of West Ham exploring options on the free agent market persist, particularly surrounding a move for Joel Matip.

Joel Matip: An Experienced Option

According to reports from German outlet Ruhr24 and Football Insider, West Ham is holding “further negotiations” with Joel Matip’s representatives, and the club is eager to bring the experienced center-back to London. Matip, a 33-year-old Cameroon international, left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after eight successful years at Anfield. Despite manager Jurgen Klopp’s efforts to secure a contract renewal, the club’s owners opted not to extend Matip’s stay following Klopp’s departure from Liverpool.

Matip’s experience would be invaluable to West Ham. During his time with Liverpool, he made 201 appearances, helping the club win major trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. He has proven himself at the highest levels of club football and would bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to West Ham’s backline.

While Matip would likely not be a first-choice starter if he joins West Ham, his role as a backup and mentor could be crucial for the club. The Hammers currently lack defensive depth, and Matip’s ability to step in when needed, especially during injury crises or fixture congestion, would ease the pressure on Lopetegui’s limited squad. His winning mentality and experience in European competitions also align with West Ham’s ambitions of regularly competing in European tournaments.

Lopetegui’s Plans for the Season

Despite Lopetegui’s public statements, West Ham’s pursuit of Matip suggests that the manager is aware of the defensive frailties within his squad. The club’s defensive options may have been strengthened with the acquisitions of Kilman and Todibo, but they still lack the depth needed to compete on multiple fronts, especially with the added challenge of European competition.

Lopetegui, who was appointed as West Ham manager in the summer, is tasked with leading the club back to consistent top-tier performances after several years of fluctuating form. The club’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Tim Stiedten, is looking to build a squad that can challenge for European spots in the Premier League while also competing in the Europa League.

The addition of Matip would fit into this vision, providing Lopetegui with the experienced defensive cover necessary to navigate a long season. With Matip available on a free transfer, the financial risk is low, and the potential benefits for West Ham could be significant.

Defensive Signings So Far: Kilman and Todibo

Max Kilman, who arrived from Wolves for £40 million, has been a standout performer for West Ham early in the season. He has seamlessly integrated into the team, providing solidity and composure in defense. Kilman’s performances have alleviated some concerns about the club’s defensive vulnerabilities, but as the season progresses, the need for additional cover remains evident.

Jean-Clair Todibo, the French international defender, joined West Ham on loan from OGC Nice with a view to a permanent transfer. Todibo, known for his athleticism and ball-playing ability, is expected to become a regular starter in the coming months. However, his initial loan arrangement means there is no long-term guarantee until his permanent move is finalized. Todibo’s form will be crucial to West Ham’s ambitions, but like Kilman, he will need experienced support to maintain consistency throughout the season.

Conclusion

West Ham’s negotiations with Joel Matip signal the club’s intention to address their defensive concerns head-on. Despite Julen Lopetegui’s comments downplaying the likelihood of further signings, the Hammers recognize the need for more experience and depth in defense. Matip’s potential arrival could provide West Ham with the quality and leadership required to navigate a long and challenging season, where European qualification remains a priority.

As West Ham pushes to compete in both the Premier League and Europe, the addition of an experienced player like Matip could prove pivotal. With the possibility of injuries or suspensions derailing their season, Matip’s presence would give Lopetegui the flexibility and cover necessary to maintain consistency and success throughout the campaign.