West Ham United urged to ‘take a punt’ on Joel Matip as talks begin after Liverpool exit
Jeff Stelling has told West Ham United to “take a punt” on Joel Matip following his Liverpool exit at the end of last season.
The Hammers are expected to continue talks over a deal with the free agent during the international break as Julen Lopetegui looks to bolster his defensive ranks after the summer transfer deadline [The Standard, 2 September].
Although the Champions League winner is one of many defenders being considered by the Irons, talkSPORT host Stelling believes Matip’s Premier League experience makes him the perfect fit for the Hammers.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Wednesday (4 September, 7:29) he said: “I’ll tell you one who I would take a punt on though.
“You mentioned Mats Hummels, but West Ham are also being linked with Joel Matip at the moment. Recent Premier League experience has been great for Liverpool over the years and I think he’s 33.
“I know West Ham are interested so I’d certainly be taking a look at Joel Matip.”
Will West Ham complete Joel Matip transfer after Liverpool and Anfield exit?
It almost went under the radar just how good Matip was during his time at Liverpool. The 33-year-old’s injury record may have been slightly concerning, but when he was fit, he was an excellent foil for Virgil van Dijk.
If the veteran defender was able to remain fit in claret and blue, he would be an excellent rotation option for Lopetegui at the London Stadium and provide some much-needed support for the likes of Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo.
Of course, the financial side of the deal will be what decides whether or not this is a transfer worth pursuing, but if the Cameroon international is willing to accept a contract on lower terms, the Hammers would be stupid to not consider it.
With the international break now fully underway and not football to be played by the Irons for the next week or so, they can take their time to assess the market and decide what is the best course of action to take.
But it is clear that West Ham could do with at least one defensive addition after the last-minute departures of both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.
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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