Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten oversaw a truly fantastic summer transfer window at West Ham United.
Nine new players rocked up at the London Stadium whilst just as many left West Ham, after a frantic deadline day saw one incoming and three outgoings.
The signing of Carlos Soler was confirmed late on deadline day, but West Ham opted against making further signings that were offered to us.
Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten combined to bring in nine fantastic new signings, with the help of David Sullivan of course.
However, the West Ham head coach didn’t address every single weakness of his squad before last night’s 11pm deadline.
Nayef Aguerd’s late exit means that we’re short in the central defensive department, whilst the addition of a striker with pace wouldn’t have gone a miss.
I know we have youth options like Kaelan Casey and Josh Ajala, but I still think we’re a little short in defence and attack.
With the transfer window now closed, it’s too late to change all of that…or is it? There are still some very interesting options on the table for Lopetegui if he wants them…
5 free agents West Ham could sign despite transfer window closing
There are still plenty of top quality options out there for the Hammers, should Lopetegui wish to bolster his ranks.
Here are five of the best…
Mats Hummels
The 35-year-old has won pretty much everything there is to win in the game, with five Bundesliga titles, three DFB Pokals and a World Cup winner’s medal to his name. Hummels is an elite centre-back, and he has proven over the past decade or so that he is truly world-class. In 25 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund last season, he averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 1.6 successful aerial duels per game. During those outings, the 35-year-old made 56.4 passes on average per match and registered a completion rate of 89.3% (Who Scored). Mats Hummels would be an exceptional addition for West Ham in my view, especially if we managed to sign him on a short-term deal, let’s say a one-year deal.
Joel Matip
The 33-year-old was released by Liverpool this summer, and he’s currently without a club. Matip was incredibly consistent for the Reds over the past eight years, injuries aside. Standing at 6ft 5in tall, the Cameroon international is incredibly strong in the air, and plays with real physical dominance, especially during one v one duels. The free agent is extremely aggressive in the air and on the ground, and would be a great backup option for the Hammers. With Ogbonna having left, Matip would bring some real experience to the West Ham dressing room, with the added bonus of having won pretty much all there is to win in the game.
Mario Hermoso
Breaking the Lines describe Hermoso as ‘incredible’, and they’re spot on – he really is an exceptional footballer. The 29-year-old is experienced in playing in an extremely organised and well-drilled back-line, having spent time under Diego Simeone at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium. In 31 La Liga appearances for Atletico Madrid last season, Hermoso averaged 1.5 tackles, one interception, 2.6 clearances and 1.5 successful aerial duels per game (Who Scored). Standing at 6ft tall, the Spain international isn’t the tallest of central defenders, but he more than makes up for that with an impressive spring and leap. He’d provide great competition and cover for our three current centre-backs.
Anthony Martial
Signing the 28-year-old former Manchester United man would be a really smart move from the Hammers as far as I’m concerned. We are a little light in the centre-forward department, and our lack of pace through the middle could prove to be costly for us this season. Martial would change all of that in an instant, what with his blistering speed. Despite an inconsistent nine years with Man United, he still showed at times just how good he can be, and I believe he still has plenty more to give at the highest level. Signing him on a free transfer really should be a no-brainer for West Ham, as long as his wage demands are not too extortionate.
Memphis Depay
This is somewhat of a left field option for West Ham. The 30-year-old is an enigmatic talent who is capable of impressing and disappointing equally during the same game! However, considering how poor Lopetegui’s current striking options are, bringing in Depay may well be a smart move from the Spaniard. The Dutchman might not be the explosively dangerous player he once was, but he’s still very much a handful for opposing defenders on his day. He wouldn’t start every week for West Ham but boy would he be a useful option for us from the bench, and he’s certainly better than Michail Antonio. Another no-brainer if you ask me.
Summer transfer window can still become a 10/10
Despite not quite achieving perfection in the summer, those five options mentioned above prove that it is in fact still attainable.
Lopetegui has a fantastic squad of players at his disposal, but he’s definitely short in the centre-back and centre-forward depatments.
That could come back to bite us later on in the season, so rather than allow that to happen, the Hammers head coach should address it now.
If David Sullivan is still open to adding to the Hammers’ wage-bill, there’s no reason why Lopetegui shouldn’t go out and strengthen his ranks even further still.
The summer transfer window was an incredibly successful one for West Ham, but it certainly wasn’t perfect.
That could all change now though, if the manager and the club owners show a little bit more ambition.
If any further new signings don’t arrive at the club though, I’ll still be very happy indeed with our summer transfer business.
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