West Ham could now agree Joel Matip deal – expert
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed West Ham will be forced to give Joel Matip a signing-on fee or “very extended” wages to secure his signature.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the 33-year-old would be a “good signing” and would not mean the Irons breach Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Sources have told Football Insider (19 September) that West Ham, Fulham, Bournemouth, and Wolves have all registered their interest in potential deals for free agent Matip.
The experienced defender has made 150 appearances in the Premier League during his time with Liverpool, which ended when his contract finished in June.
Matip played just 14 times last season due to a serious knee ligament injury.
West Ham are light in the centre-back area after the departures of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma in the summer window.
West Ham deal for Matip will prove expensive, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It could be a signing-on fee plus wages or a very extended wage level.
“He would be a good signing for them right now.
“He’d still fit in the budget, West Ham have got the room within the PSR rules.
“But Lopetegui has got to do better with the squad they have right now.
“There has been an investment and Lopetegui has got to show he can do it.
“He’s not quite had the level of success people have expected, and he’s off to a slow start.
“Matip could be the one to spark something, but their midfield and forwards have got to start firing too.”
In other news, West Ham fans are all saying the same thing about Julen Lopetegui “sacking”.
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