Julien Lopetegui still clinch interest on Top rated Bundesliga defender that will make Zouma play better.
Since the transfer window in Europe’s top five leagues closed, West Ham has been exploring the free-agent market to bolster their defensive options for manager Julen Lopetegui.
According to a report from Football Insider, West Ham is considering signing former Liverpool defender Joel Matip. The veteran centre-back, who first made his name at FC Schalke, spent eight years at Liverpool from 2016 to 2024, where he played a key role under Jurgen Klopp and contributed to the club’s major successes during that period.
Matip left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after his contract expired. Despite being linked to several clubs over the summer, the Cameroonian international is still searching for a new team, and West Ham is reportedly interested in bringing him back to the Premier League.
**West Ham’s Defensive Shortages**
The departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd over the summer have left West Ham lacking defensive depth. Lopetegui currently has only four recognized centre-backs, prompting the need for reinforcements. With the transfer window closed, West Ham is focused on free agents, and Matip has emerged as a standout option.
Given his experience in the Premier League, Matip could settle in quickly and offer valuable defensive support. Although he hasn’t played since December due to a cruciate ligament injury, Matip is fully recovered and could be a significant addition to West Ham’s squad.