In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey stated that West Ham United could move in for Sheffield United defender John Egan this month. It has been revealed that the Hammers could try and sign the Republic of Ireland international on a free transfer this summer.
Egan’s Injury Concerns In English Football Last Season
The 31-year-old was sidelined for a lot of games for Sheffield United in the previous campaign because of a serious foot injury. Egan participated in just seven matches for the Blades last season across multiple competitions.
The Republic of Ireland talent was a solid performer on the defensive end of the field based on his average of 1.0 tackles, 2.2 key passes and 6.5 clearances per game in the Premier League. However, he needs to improve his ball distribution from inside his half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 69.9% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
His contract at Bramall Lane expired earlier this summer. Hence, West Ham could sign him on a free transfer despite the summer transfer window slamming shut recently.
Will Egan Be A Good Signing For West Ham United Boss Julen Lopetegui?
Egan loves a tackle and can scan the danger well to make some timely interceptions for his team on the defensive end of the field. He usually clears his lines when needed but needs to find a way to improve his passing accuracy if he wants to succeed at a club like West Ham.
The Republic of Ireland defender is vastly experienced in English football and won’t take much time to adjust to life at the London Stadium if Lopetegui ends up signing him on a free transfer this month.
At 31, Egan might still have a few good years left in him to play at a high level. Thus, he would be a decent signing for the Hammers in the short term. Despite his age and recent injury record, Egan could serve a good, rotational piece in West Ham‘s squad in the coming years. Hence, Lopetegui should focus on giving him a chance to prove his worth at the East London club soon.
