West Ham enter the race to sign World Cup winning defender

Recently, West Ham are involved in negotiations with Manchester United to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the new right back for Julen Lopetegui's side. However, there hasn't been much transfer activity regarding bringing in a new centre back. In July, West Ham completed the signing of Max Kilman but they still need to bring in a reliable defensive partner for Kilman.

Currently, the Hammers have four centre back options with Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma at the club. Among them, Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd struggle with the pace and fitness required in the Premier League. Also, their passing is not good enough when playing from the defence.

Meanwhile Mavropanos joined West Ham last year but has had a decent season overall. Sometimes he has misplaced passes while defending but most of the time he has had a good performance as a centre back. Thus, Mavropanos can be the third choice centre back for Julen Lopetegui in the squad.

West Ham enter the race to sign World Cup winning defender

But, the need for a new centre back alongside Kilman is still there. Now, according to reliable journalist, Nicolo Schira, West Ham have entered the race to sign World Cup winning defender Mats Hummels this summer. Although Hummels is 35, he was one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga last season and helped Borussia Dortmund reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Like new signing, Guido Rodriguez, Mats Hummels won the FIFA World Cup 2014 with Germany and is currently available on a free transfer after his Borussia Dortmund contract ran down at the end of the 2023/24 season. The Hammers have already signed Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund and may look to reunite him with his Dortmund teammate as well.

Without a doubt, Mats Hummels is one of the best centre back in European football in the last ten years. And his world class defending and experience will be highly useful for West Ham as they aim to achieve a top six finish in the Premier League to return to European football next season.

Hence, Hummels is the perfect signing to partner Kilman in the defence for a few seasons. Also, he is available on a free transfer which will give the West Ham board more time to sign a long term centre back next year.