So it seems like German free agent Mats Hummels definitely could join West Ham United on a free transfer.
Mats Hummels was strongly linked with a move to join West Ham throughout the month of August, after he was released by Borussia Dortmund.
West Ham didn’t sign him in the end, but Julen Lopetegui has now left himself very short in the centre-back department, after Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd both left the London Stadium.
Taking that into account, Hummels would be the perfect option for the Hammers head coach.
With that in mind, it was frustrating when it emerged that Roma were all set to sign the German World Cup winner.
However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Hummels’ proposed move to join Roma has collapsed at the final stages of negotiations.
So the door is once again open for West Ham. But will Lopetegui swoop in and make it happen?
Majorly exciting Mats Hummels to West Ham claim
Considering the current lack of strength in depth in the central defensive department at the London Stadium, it was a real surprise that Lopetegui didn’t sign a centre-back on deadline day.
There were plenty of options available including the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Oumar Solet.
However, Lopetegui kept his powder dry in the end. That doesn’t mean that the West Ham manager can’t bolster his defensive ranks though, even with the transfer window having closed on Friday.
The free agent market is open all year round, and the Hammers may well take advantage of that.
According to Sean Whetstone, Hummels is emerging as a strong candidate to join the Hammers on a free transfer.
The Hammers insider notes that the 35-year-old shares a good relationship with West Ham director of football Tim Steidten.
Hummels proved last season that he is still more than good enough to consistently perform at the very highest level.
It was only three months ago when he started the Champions League final against Real Madrid!
So is the German free agent someone the Hammers really should be pursuing?
Signing Hummels a no-brainer for West Ham
The 35-year-old centre-back has been a superb player throughout the past decade or so.
He 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 throughout his time in the game 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).
He could fill in for Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo or Konstantinos Mavropanos when any of them are forced to miss games through injury or suspension.
Signing Mat Hummels on a free transfer should be an absolute no-brainer for West Ham in my opinion.
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