West Ham technical director Tim Steidten is likely contemplating an approach to ex-Liverpool defender Joel Matip, according to ExWHUEmployee.

Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), Ex said that the Hammers will seriously consider recruiting a centre-half on a free transfer, with Matip the leading candidate:

“Joel Matip, who to me seems the most realistic possibility. The former Liverpool centre-back and Cameroon international has played for Liverpool since 2016 making 150 appearances for the Anfield-based team.”

“He has suffered a few serious injuries which could put us off but he has just gone 33 so not as old as some of the other options and he also has a lot of Premier League experience too.”

“He is German-born and speaking which will work with Tim [Steidten] and he is also probably wanting to remain in the UK. There is a realistic chance that he would be happy to play as a fourth-choice centre-back, so it wouldn’t surprise me if we were to make a move.”

West Ham are short of numbers in the centre of defence

After allowing both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd to leave on loan, the Irons have been left with Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos as their only recognised centre-halves.

Some have suggested that head coach Julen Lopetegui may put some faith in young defender Kaelan Casey, who made the bench for the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. However, the 19-year-old is very inexperienced, having made just two senior appearances.

Are there any other free agents that could be considered?

Former Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels is another candidate that West Ham may target, in addition to Matip. The German international was linked with the Hammers earlier in the summer, but it does look like he could be off to either Turkey or Italy.

Simon Kjaer is a second option. The former Danish international left AC Milan at the end of last season but he has yet to find a new team.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here