West Ham United transfer news as winner named in race to sign Merveille Bokadi
West Ham were offered former Standard Liege centre-back Merveille Bokadi but he’s now set to join Erzurumspor, according to Graeme Bailey.
The HITC journalist claimed on 3 September that he was among a handful of defenders being linked with free transfers to the London Stadium.
However, the 28-year-old DR Congo international will be joining the Turkish club and not the Hammers this month.
Bailey told TBR on 3 September: “We understand that talks have taken place with Joel Matip – whilst others including John Egan, Koffi Djidji and Merveille Bokadi have been offered – however, the latter is heading to Turkey and is set to join Erzurumspor.”
West Ham United must sign the right kind of defender
The Hammers’ need for a defender who can seamlessly integrate into the starting XI during injuries or rotations is critical for maintaining a competitive edge and squad depth.
A player like Joel Matip, with his Premier League experience and proven quality, ensures that the drop-off in performance is minimal, preserving the team’s defensive solidity.
This approach not only aids in managing the physical demands of the season but also in tactical flexibility, allowing for different formations without compromising on quality.
Moreover, considering Matip’s history of injuries, his signing could be a calculated risk, offering high rewards when fit.
Similarly, exploring a move for Mats Hummels [Sean Whetstone], with his vast experience and leadership, could provide a similar benefit. Both players could step into the team without needing an adjustment period, which is invaluable for West Ham’s ambitions of challenging on multiple fronts.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers star is at risk of missing several months due to a re-injury and will be monitored carefully.
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