Despite bringing two new centre-backs in the summer transfer window to bolster their defence, West Ham have still conceded eleven goals in their first seven league matches. Under manager Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers have registered only one clean sheet in the Premier League which came in a 2-0 away win over Crystal Palace. Although Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman are starting to form a reliable partnership at the heart of the defence, West Ham have Konstantinos Mavropanos as the only other central defender in the squad.
Therefore, if either of Kilman or Todibo picks up a injury and is sidelined for a significant number of matches, then Lopetegui will have to start Mavropanos, who has been highly inconsistent in the Premier League since arriving in a £20 million move from Bundesliga side Stuttgart last year. Recently, Mavropanos gave a match-winning performance in the Nations League as Greece registered a last-minute surprise 2-1 win over England. Mavropanos was calm and composed in the defence against England, however, often attempts a few quick passes in his own half which sometimes gives away ball possession as well.
West Ham considering a move for 26-year-old England international
Thus, West Ham can consider replacing the former Arsenal defender if a good offer comes for him in the January transfer window. Further, as a replacement, West Ham are interested in Milan's 26-year-old England international Fikayo Tomori. Tomori has previously played for Chelsea in the Premier League, thus, would quickly adapt to Julen Lopetegui's side if he joins West Ham midway through the current 2024/25 season.
Compared to Mavropanos, Tomori doesn't have a great physicality but his man-marking, decision making and overall defending inside the box is impressive. Similar to Mavropanos, Tomori is a versatile centre-back who can also play on both sides of the defence providing manager Julen Lopetegui with more tactical flexibility in the starting lineup. Hence, Mavropanos can still improve his decision making and passing, but West Ham should prefer a move for Tomori if they receive a significant transfer fee by selling Mavropanos.