West Ham United told to take Mats Hummels ‘gamble’ after London Stadium transfer update
Ally McCoist has told West Ham United to take “a gamble” on former Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Mats Hummels.
The Hammers are reportedly interested in signing the 35-year-old defender during the international break as Julen Lopetegui looks to add to his backline options beyond the transfer deadline [Sean Whetstone, 3 September].
Although some supporters and pundits have raised concerns over the veteran’s age, talkSPORT pundit McCoist believes a short-term contract for the “terrific” defender would be a risk worth taking for the Irons.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Wednesday (4 September, 7:29) he said: “He scored with a header in the semi-final of the Champions League.
“I thought his partnership at the back with [Nico] Schlotterbeck, I thought the two of them were absolutely terrific. So in answer to your question, I would take a gamble on him far quicker than I would be the goalkeeper.”
Will West Ham sign Mats Hummels after the transfer deadline?
While there is always a slight risk when it comes to signing free agents outside of the transfer window, Hummels’ class was on show for everyone to see over the course of last season, even if he is getting a bit older.
The 35-year-old was a regular as Dortmund marched into the Champions League final and while he may not have necessarily played in the Premier League in the past, he has always impressed at the highest level.
He wouldn’t be a regular under Julen Lopetegui, with Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo fighting it out for the starting roles, but he would offer some much-needed experience in a young backline.
Whether or not the Hammers will be able to win the race for his signature amid competition from several other clubs in Europe and beyond remains to be seen, but they should certainly be pushing to secure his services.
Hopefully, they will follow McCoist’s advice and find a way to bring him to the London Stadium sooner rather than later.
In other West Ham news, a George Earthy injury update has emerged at Bristol City after his London Stadium loan exit
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