West Ham Transfer News: Why Mats Hummels could prove a smart short-term signing

 

While the Premier League transfer window slammed shut on Friday, clubs are still in the market for potential deals. The free agent pool is brimming with talent, with the likes of Adrien Rabiot, Sergio Ramos and Memphis Depay all yet to find a new club following their respective release from their previous clubs. 

 

Another on the radar for a number of teams is former Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels. The German centre-back was believed to be close to a move to Roma, only for that deal to fall through. A switch to Galatasaray was also mooted, while West Ham have also been credited with an interest in the experienced centre-back.

 

West Ham Transfer News: Why Mats Hummels could prove a smart short-term signing

 

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West Ham were busy up until deadline day, seeing out a busy summer with the addition of Carlos Soler as Julen Lopetegui was heavily backed in the market. In defence, both Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo joined from Wolves and Nice, respectively, to cover the departures of Nayef Aguerd, Thilo Kehrer, Angelo Ogbona and Kurt Zouma. However, with Konstantinos Mavropanos joining Kilman and Todibo as the club's only senior centre-backs, Lopetegui is wary of being caught short of options at the heart of the defence. 

 

As such, the Hammers may yet dip into the free agent pool with Hummels a viable option for the east London side. The 35-year-old was imperious at the back for Dortmund last season, shining on their way to the Champions League final in particular. Indeed, the experienced defender ranked top for tackles (53), interceptions (25) and clearances (66) in Europe's elite club competition as Dortmund came close to securing European glory, falling at the final hurdle to Champions League supremos Real Madrid. 

 

 

While his release from Dortmund was understandable as the club sought to usher in a new era under Nuri Sahin, bringing in compatriot Waldemar Anton as his replacement, Hummels still has plenty to offer for a team seeking an additional centre-back. Even at his age, Hummels will still be wanting regular game time, and the question is whether he'd even be afforded the luxury at the London Stadium. 

 

Conversely, Hummels would bring with him a wealth of experience to east London and his arrival could have a transformative effect for the Hammers as Thiago Silva did at Chelsea. The Brazilian quickly established himself as a fan favourite following his arrival from PSG and during his short time at Stamford Bridge, the Brazilian shone at the back. The addition of Hummels at West Ham could have a similar impact. 

 

Furthermore, the arrival of Hummels would afford Lopetegui greater tactical flexibility in his squad selection. While the Spaniard so often sticks with a 4-2-3-1 setup, Hummels would present the Hammers boss the chance to really tinker with his system to suit the needs of his squad and the opposition. 

 

 

Given his proactive approach to defending, his strength in the air and range of passing, combined with his physical shortcomings - Hummels has never been the fastest defender - having the former Germany international start at the heart of a three-man backline would suit the players at Lopetegui's disposal. With Todibo, Mavropanos and, in particular, Kilman, the latter a centre-back versed in the demands of such a system, this would enable Hummels to maximise his strengths without his weaknesses being too exposed. 

 

While West Ham would have to act quickly to ensure they beat off competition for Hummels, he could prove a solid capture on a short-term deal. Without European commitments, West Ham won't be overburdened by a game every three days but even so; they are a centre-back short with the campaign set to really get underway after the September international break. Hummels would bring the necessary experience to aid Lopetegui in his debut campaign in the capital to boost their chances of securing European football.

West Ham Transfer News: Why Mats Hummels could prove a smart short-term signing