Despite West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui stating midweek that the Hammers would provide cover for Nayef Aguerd by using the Academy, links to Joel Matip persist.
The former Liverpool central defender was originally on a shortlist of three out-of-contract players who would have been eligible to sign for West Ham despite the transfer window being closed. The other two were John Egan (who recently had a trial game at the Hammers’ training ground) and Mats Hummels, who decided to join AS Roma instead.
This left Cameroon defender Matip as the last man standing. However, concerns over his fitness following a cruciate knee ligament injury dissuaded Lopetegui from pushing ahead with the deal.
Reports over the last two days, however, suggest the deal is back on, contradicting what the Spanish head coach told the press as recently as Thursday. During the Fulham vs. West Ham pre-match press conference, Lopetegui informed reporters that West Ham’s transfer business had finished for now.
Whether West Ham have had a change of heart remains to be seen, but many sources indicate the deal is back on.
Talking of transfers……..Someone within the club must be kicking themselves for not finding the extra cash to sign Duran from Aston Villa!!!