John Egan update emerges at West Ham United after Sheffield United exit
John Egan is playing for West Ham United today in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Dagenham and Redbridge, according to Sean Whetstone.
Whetstone reported via X on Thursday (5 September) that the free agent is featuring for the Hammers during the international break in an attempt to prove his fitness ahead of a potential move to the London Stadium.
Reports had suggested that the former Sheffield United man could feature against the National League opposition on Thursday, as other members of Julen Lopetegui’s side look to build up their fitness [ExWHUemployee, 4 September].
Writing on X, Whetstone said: “Confirmed that centre-back free agent John Egan is currently playing for a West Ham team today in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Dagenham and Redbridge to prove his fitness before a potential signing as a Hammer.”
Will West Ham sign John Egan after Sheffield United exit?
While some supporters will suggest that the Hammers should have completed this sort of defensive addition before the transfer window slammed shut, it feels as though West Ham are handling this deal incredibly sensibly.
Egan’s recent injury record will be a cause for concern and there will be a reluctance on the Irons’ part to hand a player who could be sidelined for an extended period of time a contract prematurely.
By taking plenty of time over the international break to not only see Egan in action in training but also in matches, the Hammers will have ensured that they have ample time to assess his condition and make a final decision.
Hopefully, the 31-year-old will come through the clash unscathed.
Whether or not Lopetegui’s side will then offer him a deal beyond the end of his trial period still remains unclear, but his chances will be better with a game under his belt.
If nothing else, the experienced international should offer some valuable experience from the bench and on the training field as he deputises the first-choice trio of Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been urged to “take a punt” on Joel Matip after new Liverpool transfer developments
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