John Egan played 45 minutes for West Ham United during a behind closed doors friendly clash with Dagenham and Redbridge yesterday.
West Ham apparently wanted to have a close look at free agent John Egan to see if he is up to scratch fitness wise.
The 31-year-old free agent is ‘being looked at’ by the Hammers right now, with Julen Lopetegui on the hunt for a new central defender.
The West Ham head coach enjoyed a magnificent summer transfer window, with nine exceptional new players arriving at the London Stadium.
However, there was one disappointment – the fact that Lopetegui failed to bring in another centre-back on deadline day, especially after Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd were moved on.
As a result, the Spaniard has left himself very short in the central defensive department, but he has a plan up his sleeve to change that.
After missing out on Mats Hummels, could Egan be the man for the job?
What West Ham thought of John Egan vs Dagenham
The 31-year-old was released by Sheffield United earlier this summer, and has been on the Hammers radar over the past week or so.
Egan has been an incredibly consistent and reliable for the Blades over the past six years or so.
Ironically, he was a consistent feature for Sheffield United in the Premier League until he suffered a serious Achilles injury playing against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
So is he in the kind of shape required to play in the Premier League for West Ham?
Claret and Hugh suggest that Egan was ‘solid’ during his 45 minute run-out against the National League side.
However, C&H insist that the club have no yet made a final decision on whether to sign the 31-year-old or not.
Meanwhile, Sean Whetstone has claimed that Egan will earn around £30k-a-week if he moves to the London Stadium, and will request the number 12 shirt.
The fact that those things have even been discussed proves to me that the Irishman is close to joining the Hammers.
John Egan a solid addition for West Ham
He has played over 400 senior games at club level and is an Ireland international team regular.
Egan is a more than capable central defender, and has extensive experience of playing at a very high level over the past decade.
He is actually decent with the ball at his feet as well, and he certainly doesn’t get enough credit for the ability he possesses.
The 31-year-old is no world-beater, but he’s not as bad as some people are making out.
Some West Ham fans have very short memories when it comes to the potential John Egan signing…have we all completely forgotten about Craig Dawson?
And what a signing he proved to be for us. During his time with the Hammers, he was actually our best centre-back – certainly the most reliable.
‘m not suggesting that John Egan will be as good as Dawson was for West Ham, but he is more than reliable enough to be our fourth choice central defender.
I’ll be more than happy if Lopetegui brings the former Sheffield United defender to the London Stadium on a free transfer.
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