The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich defender had numerous offers this summer, including from Premier League clubs. West Ham and Brighton were not only interested in signing Mats Hummels as a free agent but actually had their offers turned down by the World Cup winner.
The 35-year-old completed his move to Italian giants AS Roma on Wednesday after leaving Dortmund at the end of last season. Hummels, who made 40 appearances across all competitions last term, is eager to continue playing at the highest level. Calciomercato reports that Hummels rejected offers from Premier League teams West Ham and Brighton, as well as proposals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and MLS.
West Ham, seeking a centre-back after the recent loan departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, are expected to shift their focus to free agents Joel Matip and John Egan during the international break. Despite adding Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo to their squad and signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United, the Hammers are looking to bolster their defensive options further.
Hummels would have been a notable addition for any top-flight club. The defender, who has won five Bundesliga titles and was part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, will earn around €2 million per year, plus bonuses, in his new role under Daniele De Rossi at AS Roma, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
