There are a number of stories doing the rounds at the moment concerning Joel Matip being offered to the Irons on a free transfer. While the experienced defender could provide valuable cover for the club’s defence, his injury history raises significant concerns. That being said, there are a number of fans who view the former Liverpool defender as a better choice as cover than John Eagan.
Matip has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, including a serious ACL injury last year. His recurring injuries have limited his playing time and raised questions about his long-term reliability. Ideally, given the clubs reasoning for selling Kurt Zouma, it makes little sense to recruit yet another injury prone CB.
West Ham must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of signing Matip. While he could be a valuable addition to the squad, his injury history poses a significant risk. If Matip is unable to stay fit, his signing could prove to be a costly mistake.
You would have thought that they should explore other defensive options that may be less risky. There are likely other free agents available who do not have the same injury concerns as Matip. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen with the trial offer to John Egan, there aren’t too many available who have the same quality as Matip.
Are West Ham missing a trick? They’ve got a young centre-half in Casey waiting in the wings to step in should two of Todibo, Kilman and Mavropanos be unavailable.
I remember Alvin Martin taking his chance….and later, Rio Ferdinand, his brother Anton and Elliott Ward. Then James Tomkins, the two Reeces and Declan Rice of course, who started as a centre back. There must be other youth team players who stepped up in those decades as well. Give Casey a go.
Why does this have to get complicated? Ability to play, short term contract (with options), affordable wages or tap the Academy. Why didn’t the brilliantly gifted new administration see this coming when they shelled out £25M for a kid they don’t plan on playing any time soon?
Joel Matip has missed 140 games in his 8 seasons at Liverpool.
That’s a whopping 3 1/2 seasons worth of games missed and as he gets older he is likely to get even more injury prone.
Hummels has been the best player of the three that WHU looked at, but he wanted to be first choice, so that leaves Egan . I’ve seen him play and, as free signing back up, he is perfect.
West Ham are looking for cover for this season. Not a long term signing. Zouma knees had gone. He simply was no longer viable in the PL. Kurt was also on huge wages. If we get unlucky with injuries and suspensions this fourth defender might play half a dozen games in the season if that. We have other alternatives as well, young players, players playing out of their regular position. All we need is a cost effective solution to the problem and someone who is willing to be that fourth choice. Out of contract players are either looking for a big pay day, aging or injury prone. In some cases all three. Don’t over think this.
In what way is he more tempting, then?