I can’t be the only West Ham fan who felt a bit underwhelmed at the prospect of signing former Sheffield United defender John Egan. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the Hammers’ recent activity in the transfer window, making it unfair for me to be overly picky with what would be our 10th signing. However, I can’t shake the feeling that the Republic of Ireland international is a transfer made for the sake of it.
Yes, Julen Lopetegui has said he wants two players for each position, but surely quality must play a part in the decision-making process. As it stands, West Ham academy graduate Kaelan Casey is the club’s fourth-choice central defender, though he likely falls behind Edson Álvarez, who has over 100 games in that position.
I’m starting to wonder if the Hammers are just playing a numbers game with recruitment. Mats Hummels, for example, could have strengthened the squad, having recently played in a Champions League final against Real Madrid. Whilst his age might have been a concern, his quality was unquestionable. Some even believed Hummels could have displaced both Jean-Clair Todibo and Dinos Mavropanos from the starting line-up.
However, the same can’t be said for Egan, who has spent most of his career in the lower leagues with clubs like Southend, Gillingham, and Brentford. Whilst I have nothing against the player, I believe this signing amounts to unnecessary squad padding. Somehow, the club has managed to land the least appealing of the three central defenders available on a free transfer.