West Ham are closing in on one World Cup winner, Guido Rodriguez, and have now made an offer for another.
The Hammers signed Crysencio Summerville on Saturday night but are just getting started. Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug is next, having completed his West Ham medical ahead of a £23m deal.
Then, Argentina’s World Cup-winning midfielder Guido Rodriguez is expected to follow, pending a successful medical. Rodriguez will join West Ham on a free transfer after leaving Real Betis. He was initially set to join Barcelona, but the departure of Xavi led to the collapse of that move.
West Ham have made an offer for a second World Cup winner
Rodriguez will reunite with Edson Alvarez at the London Stadium, as they previously played together at Club America. West Ham also plan to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
Additionally, West Ham have been trying to sign a central defender. However, Jean-Clair Todibo opted to join Juventus instead. Recognizing the urgent need for a dominant new centre-back, the Hammers have made an ambitious bid.
Hammers target Hummels to announce decision this week
Reports in June indicated that West Ham held talks with German World Cup winner Mats Hummels about a free transfer this summer. Hummels, who left Dortmund, played alongside Fullkrug in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
German technical director Tim Steidten has communicated to Hummels that the offer remains on the table as he prepares to announce his decision this week. This information is also being reported in Italy, with Bologna showing interest, and West Ham facing competition from Brighton.
Hummels, turning 36 next season, has sparked speculation about a move to MLS, having reportedly declined offers from Ajax, Benfica, Lille, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, and Saudi Arabia.
Short-term fix that buys West Ham time
Signing Hummels would be a short-term solution for West Ham, but the club could certainly do worse. Manager Julen Lopetegui put Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd up for sale upon arrival, and their pre-season performances have justified that decision.
Aguerd’s poor performance in the 3-1 defeat to Palace highlighted the need for an experienced, dominant partner, such as former Hammers hero Craig Dawson. Despite his age, Hummels fits the bill, at least for the short term.
West Ham benefit from the London factor, as well as Hummels’ connection with Fullkrug and Steidten. Signing Hummels, who remains extraordinarily fit for his age, could buy West Ham and Steidten time to secure a younger centre-back for the long term. It would also improve West Ham’s bargaining position when selling Zouma and Aguerd.
