Why West Ham should sign John Egan on a free transfer

Currently, West Ham are actively looking to sign a centre back on a free transfer with only one week remaining for Premier League teams to make additions to their squad. The Hammers were interested in signing Germany legend Mats Hummels and Atletico Madrid star Mario Hermoso on a free transfer, however, both decided to join Serie A side Roma instead. Joel Matip is another centre back option being considered by West Ham, but he has been sidelines with injuries for more than half of the last season. 

Therefore, if Matip gets an injury, manager Julen Lopetegui will have to rely on the three centre backs in the squad. Another defender that is available on a free transfer and has played in the Premier League is former Sheffield United centre back John Egan. Egan played six years at Sheffield United and helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League twice from the Championship. 

Why West Ham should sign John Egan on a free transfer

Also, in the 2019/20 season, Egan's rock solid performances in the defence helped Sheffield United to exceed expectations and finish ninth with the fourth best defence in the Premier League. Although Egan isn't a world class defender like Matip, he is great at defending big chances inside the box and his ball playing ability will help West Ham in advancing the ball forward in the build up play. A few seasons ago, West Ham signed Craig Dawson on a loan transfer to provide squad depth to their defence, who proved to be a brilliant signing for the Hammers. 

After his loan spell, West Ham signed Dawson on a permanent basis and he quickly became the first choice centre back under David Moyes’s management. Therefore, Egan can be another great signing like Dawson and can even start alongside Max Kilman in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches. Hence, West Ham should secure the services of Egan on a free transfer this season.