The former Liverpool manager has previously suggested what the free agent may provide to a Premier League club
West Ham United are in negotiations with former Liverpool defender Joel Matip about a free transfer to the London Stadium, despite the player’s age and injury history.
The 33-year-old made only 10 Premier League appearances for the Reds last season due to an ACL injury and departed Anfield as a free agent at the conclusion of the season. According to Sky Sports, Matip is still without a club, and Julen Lopetegui could attempt to bring him to London.
Reporter Dharmesh Sheth wrote on social networking platform X: “West Ham United are looking to sign a free agency central defender. According to @ExWHUEmployee, they are interested in Joel Matip and John Egan, and negotiations with their representation are now underway.
Last week, the Hammers permitted centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd to go on loan. Lopetegui is reviving his squad, but he is currently lacking in defensive options.
West Ham fans will be familiar with Matip, who spent six years at Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup during that time. Even if his playing time is restricted, Matip has a lot to offer West Ham, as former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made clear in his parting message to the player this summer.
As the defender was announced to be leaving Anfield, Klopp said: “In all the years I’ve been involved in football, I don’t think I’ve come across many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.” I’m not sure there’s anything awful to say about him.
“A brilliant professional, a wonderful footballer, and a wonderful human being; we have been fortunate to have him with us for as long as we have, and now all we can do is wish him well as he embarks on a new journey.
“Joel’s skills as a player are obvious to all, and as a club, we have profited from them from the minute he signed. I don’t think he’s made many headlines throughout the years, but he’s always been a well-known person in our group.
Matip had been evasive about his future during the few times he was questioned about his next moves in the sport. The former Schalke player had been linked with a return to Germany, which appeared to entice him.
Late last year, Matip stated, “Of course, Schalke was my youth club; as a Schalke supporter, it was an incredible joy to play there. I had the opportunity to do so for a long time, and here in Liverpool, with such excellent conditions, you don’t simply walk away.
“In addition, I feel really at ease in my personal life. I believe that changing clubs on a regular basis is undesirable. However, everyone is responsible for making their own decisions. In any event, I find consistency useful.
“I’m at an age where I’m not as concerned about the future. I try to make the most of each day and avoid planning too far ahead. I’d be quite content with just these two clubs in the end. But with football, you never really know.”
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