Mats Hummels has been one of the surprise names linked with West Ham this summer with the German defender now a free-agent.
TBR exclusively reported that West Ham held talks with Hummels over the transfer window with the former Borussia Dortmund star also holding discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Premier League an option for the veteran centre-back.
With Real Sociedad also holding talks for Hummels, it’s clear that a lot of ambitious sides around Europe are keen on signing the Germany international, with West Ham a club who this summer have made a number of impressive signings.
Yet it now appears that the Irons have missed out on the signing of Hummels.
Hummels set for AS Roma medical after West Ham talks
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Hummels is set to have a medical at AS Roma today ahead of a move to the Serie A side, with Daniele De Rossi beating out the likes of West Ham to the German’s signature.
As per the report, the 35-year-old defender will sign a one-year deal with the Giallorossi with an option to extend by an extra season if Hummels proves to be a hit in the Eternal City this campaign.
For West Ham, though, missing out on Hummels will be seen as quite the blow given how useful an experienced defender as good as the former Dortmund star would be this Premier League season.
Yet with the Irons in talks for similar players, it’s clear that West Ham have a backup plan in place in the event of missing out on Hummels, who could be well-suited to Serie A and to Roma this season.
Hummels could find a second lease in his career in Italy
Hummels was one of the best defenders in the UEFA Champions League last season as the veteran centre-back played a massive role in getting Dortmund to the final against Real Madrid.
And at 35-years-old, a move to one of Italy’s biggest clubs in Roma just feels right for Hummels at this stage in his career, even if the Premier League would have also been quite fun, as well.
Indeed, Hummels at West Ham would have been quite the move, yet with the German in the Italian capital as we speak, an adventure in England will have to wait a little while longer for the defender.