Official LIVE: West Ham offer two-year deal to one of the best experience “outstanding” free agent alongside Egan…
In an attempt to strengthen Julen Lopetegui’s defense, West Ham United has presented Joel Matip, a free agent, with a two-year contract offer, according to Caught Offside.
In order to support their new manager, Julen Lopetegui, and help the team advance, the east London club, the Hammers, had an amazing summer transfer window, adding nine new players to the roster.
Central defence was a key area to be strengthened and the Spanish coach brought in his former Wolves captain Max Kilman as well as France star Jean-Clair Todibo, however late deals saw captain Kurt Zouma and Morocco international Nayef Aguerd depart on deadline day.
West Ham Offer Matip Two-Year Contract
With those two late deals it has left Lopetegui with just three senior central defenders in his squad, including Greek star Dinos Mavropanos who has started each Premier League game so far this season.
But to ensure they’re not left short between now and January the club are eyeing up the free agent market and former Premier League and Champions League winner Matip has emerged as a top target, with Caught Offside reporting that the Cameroon international has been offered a two-year contract at the London Stadium.
Matip, who has been discribed “exceptional” by Jurgen klopp in the past, is a free agent after his contract with Liverpool expired in the summer. The 33-year-old suffered a serious knee injury last season and hasn’t played since, but is believed to be close to being ready to return and his experience is something that has piqued the interest of Lopetegui and Tim Steidten.
However, Matip’s interests are not limited to the Irons; Fulham, Bournemouth, and Leicester City are also keen to sign him for a free. Even if those teams haven’t presented Matip with a formal contract offer, the defender is still considering his options and hasn’t decided on his future team.
It’s suggested that Matip isn’t totally convinced by the offer from West Ham and with Kilman, Todibo and Mavropanos already at the club he may not like the idea of being fourth-choice option in the final years of his career.
