Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip is reportedly in talks with a Premier League club about a return to England.
Last season, it was Joel Matip’s final campaign as a Liverpool centre-back and the Cameroon defender was certainly a brilliant servant for the Reds.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool decided to sign Matip on a free transfer from FC Schalke and the defender went on to win everything there was to win for the Merseyside club, including a Premier League title in 2020 and lifting the UEFA Champions League in 2019 following a victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Well, with Klopp leaving the club, Matip decided also to depart Anfield and indeed the Premier League but he could be set for a return.
Joel Matip ‘in talks’ over move to West Ham United
Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports has now revealed that West Ham United are speaking to the representatives of both Matip and John Egan as the Irons look to bolster their centre-back department.
Kurt Zouma was allowed to depart West Ham United for a move to the Saudi Pro League and manager Julen Lopetegui reportedly wants another central defensive option.
During the summer transfer window, the Hammers were certainly one of the busier sides in the Premier League as they prepared for life under a new manager in Lopetegui.
West Ham signed OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo from under the noses of Juventus and the Hammers also signed Wolves’ Max Kilman but the Spaniard now wants a third centre-back option for rotation.
Matip would certainly be an interesting option for the Hammers and would certainly be an upgrade on their current options.
Signing Joel Matip would be a risk for West Ham
During his years at Liverpool, whilst Matip was certainly reliable for the Reds when he played, he also had a plethora of injury issues.
This eventually led to Liverpool signing Frenchman Ibrahima Konate who has now firmly established himself as one of the best defenders in the division.
Signing Matip would certainly be low risk for the Hammers with the imposing defender joining the East London side on a free transfer.
The benefits of this deal certainly outweigh any kind of risks that could well be associated to a deal like this.
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