West Ham make CJ Egan-Riley offer as new transfer information now gathered
West Ham know that they must shore up their defence if they are to avoid another season of disappointment.
The Hammers had the sixth-worst defence in the Premier League last term after conceding 62 goals.
Graham Potter has identified Burnley centre-back CJ Egan-Riley as a potential target to bolster his backline, with his contract expiring at the end of June.
Now, there have been developments in the Irons’ pursuit of the 22-year-old, which will prick the ears of supporters.
West Ham face competition to sign Burnley’s CJ Egan-Riley
West Ham have been backed to offer Egan-Riley a five-year contract, with the defender’s current deal to expire at the end of the month.
The centre-back was an integral part of Scott Parker’s backline, who broke all kinds of defensive records last season in the Championship.
Egan-Riley played a significant role, making 41 appearances in the hub of the Clarets’ defence.
| CJ Egan-Riley’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 26 |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
| Clearances | 4.7 |
Despite the interest from the Irons, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are pushing to sign the centre-back, according to Santi Aouna (11 June).
The Foot Mercato journalist reports that West Ham and Strasbourg have made offers to Egan-Riley.
Aouna claims that there is a mutual interest between Egan-Riley and Marseille, though, after the defender obtained information about the French club from friends.
Egan-Riley should be a priority investment for the Hammers
West Ham’s defensive issue must be addressed this summer if the London club are to make progress on the pitch.
The Hammers were opened up far too easily last term, shipping three goals or more on nine occasions in the Premier League.
Therefore, the Irons need players who know how to keep a clean sheet, and Egan-Riley kept 26 of those last season.
At 22, the centre-back is a player of vast potential and has already shown defensive maturity above his years, starting at Manchester City.
Given that he could be available on a free transfer, West Ham must do all they can to sign Burnley’s ace.