Reports from Italy suggest that Mats Hummels will not join West Ham cheaply or settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench.
The defender’s advanced transfer to AS Roma has stalled due to financial concerns and first-team opportunities, giving the Hammers a chance to make a move.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma have offered Hummels a contract until the end of the season, with an option to renew if he plays in more than 50% of matches in 2024-25.
Roma’s offer stands at £40,000 per week, but he is tempted. It’s safe to assume the German defender would demand considerably more from West Ham. Additionally, the extra years option is tricky, as Hummels would be 37 by the time the deal concludes. The extra year offered by the Serie A side and the guarantee of first team football could well be the deciding factor.
Galatasaray have also shown interest, but Hummels has close ties with Tim Steidten and Niclas Füllkrug, which could sway him toward joining the Hammers. However convincing a player who started last seasons Champions League final to sit on the substitutes bench will not be easy.
Hummels was once a very good player, sometimes outstanding but prone to huge ricks.
On top of that he’s by no means an easy character to deal with. He towed the line with Pep because he had no choice, but subsequent coaches he’s had stand-up rows when he doesn’t get what he wants. He was one of the chief trouble-makers during the World Cup.
He fell out big-time with Edin Terzić, and one of the reasons he left Bayern was over money and playing time so they said ‘goodbye’, you’re not worth it.
He was fantastic on the whole for Bayern so I was a fan, but I am not sure west ham want the problems he may cause, and frankly, considering some of his errors, I really don’t think he’s suitable for the EPL, especially due to his age and only coming off the bench.
Let’s see what happens and I’m proved wrong again, but I could see him falling out with JLo and the club don’t need that if he wants a united dressing room.
Interesting insight Kris. Are you based in Germany?
I have been interested in this one since the window closed and only having three CBs. Hopefully Tim has the sort of relationship with him that could help manage him should things start to go sideways. Of course that’s if he signs.