West Ham considering signing two defenders on a free transfer

Although the Hammers have signed nine new players and addressed several key areas of their squad that needed reinforcement, they still have to improve their squad depth in the defence. Manager Julen Lopetegui has highlighted the fact that West Ham are trying to have two quality players for every position, and also revealed that the club are considering making a few defensive additions to the squad on a free transfer after the 3-1 home defeat against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. 

Therefore, West Ham considered several quality central defenders on their shortlist who were available on a free transfer. Germany legend Mats Hummels and Atletico Madrid star defender Mario Hermoso have already joined Italian giants Roma which have led the Hammers to consider other options. Joel Matip is highly admired at West Ham after his brilliant eight seasons with Liverpool in the Premier League and the Hammers have started talks with the 33-year-old regarding a free transfer move to the London Stadium on a two year contract. 

West Ham considering signing two defenders on a free transfer

Alongside Matip, John Egan is also a decent option given he is a great ball playing centre back and similar to Matip, has a lot of Premier League experience. Now, a recent report from GIVEMESPORT has revealed that West Ham are trying to sign John Egan on a free transfer as well. Egan possesses similar attributes as new West Ham signing Max Kilman, thus, the Hammers are considering the idea of adding him to their squad as well. 

Therefore, there are high chances of West Ham signing both Joel Matip and John Egan in this transfer window. This indicates that manager Julen Lopetegui wants to play three central defenders in some games, giving him more tactical flexibility in the midfield and attack. Also, if both centre-backs are signed, West Ham can rest several key defenders like Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a few games throughout the season. 

Now, it remains to be seen whether both Matip and Egan join West Ham on a free transfer.