Hammers involved in talks to sign Joel Matip

Before the international break, West Ham faced a 3-1 defeat against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City that included an Erling Haaland hat trick. Speaking about the match, manager Julen Lopetegui highlighted the defensive mistakes in the match and revealed that the Hammers are considering signing some defenders on a free transfer. Although the summer transfer window is over, West Ham can sign players on a free transfer until the first two weeks of September. 

Several world class defenders became available on a free transfer, including FIFA World Cup winning centre back Mats Hummels, who was on West Ham's shortlist as well but Serie A side Roma moved forward to sign him. Further, Roma also signed former Atletico Madrid star Mario Hermoso as well on a free transfer. Now, West Ham are interested in signing Joel Matip, who left Liverpool at the end of the last season after making over two hundred Premier League appearances for the Reds. 

Hammers involved in talks to sign Joel Matip

Similar to Hummels and Hermoso, Matip is a world class defender who is attracting transfer interest from clubs all around Europe. However, Matip has played eight years in the Premier League, therefore, will prefer to join a Premier League team over other European clubs. Now, according to Caught Offside, West Ham have started talks with Joel Matip to sign him on a free transfer on a two year contract. 

This is a good move by the club as Matip hasn't played much in the Premier League in the last two years. With the impressive performances of Konate and due to injuries, Matip has only featured in 25 league matches for the Reds in the previous two seasons. Hence, signing Matip as the third choice centre back alongside Mavropanos will provide the Hammers with experience as well as quality to bolster their defence. 

Now, it remains to be seen whether Matip arrives at the London Stadium on a free transfer this season.