Mats Hummels has emerged as a strong candidate for the fourth centre-back position at West Ham and is Tim Steidten’s preferred choice. Concerns remain over Joel Matip and John Egan’s recovery from serious injuries and their fitness levels.
Matip was believed to be in advanced talks with the club yesterday, though it is unclear if he completed his medical. The 33-year-old central defender left Liverpool after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, leaving him unregistered and eligible to move outside the transfer window.
Hummels, 35, is in a similar contractual situation, having been released by Borussia Dortmund in June. The defender is well-known to German director of football Tim Steidten and is a former teammate of Niclas Füllkrug.
The German international was expected to sign for Italian club AS Roma, however the transfer fell thorough within the last few days. The Serie A club cited ‘problems’ for not completing the deal and it would now seen the Hammers have moved into pole position.
I would much rather sign this man than the other two with there injury problems…he maybe 35yrs old but he is some player and his experience will be beneficial to our entire backline….Mavropanos could learn a lot from this man to help improve his game and cut out some of the errors which he is prone to making.
Hummels would be a great signing. He was still performing at the highest level at the back end of last season. I’d assume his wage demands would be astronomical, however. That could be an issue.
If we are looking at this age group, we should have stuck with Uncle Oggie.
Couldn’t agree more !!!
Roma seem to be moving for Hermoso which is the player we should be going for.
Hummels pace is more suited to Serie A than the PL… we have had a cracking window no pun intended why take on an ageing star that will likely want a huge salary and signing on bonus. Hermoso has that Rice like quality to drill the ball flat and accurately cross field allowing us to switch play and break the presses from better quality teams.
Signing Hummels would be a good signing… for 1 season. That would give Steidten the season to source a good young centre-back.