I can’t be the only West Ham fan who felt a bit underwhelmed at the prospect of signing former Sheffield United defender John Egan. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the Hammers’ recent activity in the transfer window, making it unfair for me to be overly picky with what would be our 10th signing. However, I can’t shake the feeling that the Republic of Ireland international is a transfer made for the sake of it.
Yes, Julen Lopetegui has said he wants two players for each position, but surely quality must play a part in the decision-making process. As it stands, West Ham academy graduate Kaelan Casey is the club’s fourth-choice central defender, though he likely falls behind Edson Álvarez, who has over 100 games in that position.
I’m starting to wonder if the Hammers are just playing a numbers game with recruitment. Mats Hummels, for example, could have strengthened the squad, having recently played in a Champions League final against Real Madrid. Whilst his age might have been a concern, his quality was unquestionable. Some even believed Hummels could have displaced both Jean-Clair Todibo and Dinos Mavropanos from the starting line-up.
However, the same can’t be said for Egan, who has spent most of his career in the lower leagues with clubs like Southend, Gillingham, and Brentford. Whilst I have nothing against the player, I believe this signing amounts to unnecessary squad padding. Somehow, the club has managed to land the least appealing of the three central defenders available on a free transfer.
Hummels was a yes. Matip was a check his ACL out thoroughly maybe a yes. Egan is Roger the Relegator.
Would rather give the chance to Casey as a back up rather than go for Egan. No better than anything we’ve already got
Don’t agree Gonzo hummels is to slow and by all accounts a trouble maker and would not have liked to be no 4 . I’m glad we are getting Egan . Like another dawson
Echoes of Craig Dawson. Could surprise us all. Doubters could end up with Egan their face!!!!
Give the guy a chance and have faith in Tim/Lopi. Done pretty well so far 👍
Not good enough for Sheffield United, but good enough for us?!
Perhaps because they are in the Championship they needed to let some players go because of cost?
Who said he’s not good enough for Sheffield United? Do your research I think many Sheffield fans can echo this , they wanted him to stay but he wanted a new challenge, being there so long and wabted to olay in Premier league.
Ironically Egan was reported to be a top target worth £12 million for Moyes 2 years ago, but after suffering a serious Achilles injury against us hasn’t played a single game for Sheffield Utd since September last year! Spent most of his career in the lower leagues and would he really be any match for top Premiership strikers after playing no top competitive games for a year? Only just got rid of Zouma and his fitness struggles.
Would rather give chance to Kaelan Casey so our Academy players get a chance rather than sign free transfers like Egan.
Shut up you little moan bag. If he was English you’d be doing cartwheels around the place saying he’s worth 100 million.
Irish fan here. Hammers fans need to appreciate how good John Egan is ( in both boxes). He is a proper pro , a real team player/ leader and always a threat from set pieces / grabs goals. Yes his career has been mainly at Championship level but his bad injury last Sept was a big blow for Sheff Utd who were actually desperate to keep him. V underrated and committed player. Better than Mavropanos imo.
A ha what planet are you on. You obviously have no clue about soccer . He played in the premiership for Sheffield United and is a full Ireland international who has scored goals against a number of teams. He is probably better than West Ham’s current center backs and too good for a mid table team.
Gonzo you are quite clearly a dope who is clueless about soccer who writes lazy articles with no research. He left Sheffield United by his own choice , they were happy for him to stay. Check his premiership stats when he played his stats in premiership were up there with the best. I reckon he will walk into your team any day.
Disagree, Egan was a key player when SU were in the PL. He’s a quality center half that can score goals. Do your research and check his stats when he was fit and playing in the prem