West Ham Burnley CJ Egan-Riley Graham Potter
(credit: Imago and Burnley Football Club)
Max Wilkins
Wed 14 May 2025 12:30, UK
West Ham kicked off talks with CJ Egan-Riley long before his contract ends at Burnley.
The 22-year-old played a key role in the Claret’s defence this season as Scott Parker’s side broke defensive records in the Championship.
With just 16 goals conceded in 46 second-tier games, promotion and a place in the Premier League made their way to Turf Moor.
This has piqued the interest of several sides, with the Hammers now discovering the result of their conversations with Egan-Riley from weeks gone by.
West Ham manager Graham Potter
Graham Potter wants Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley at West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Egan-Riley agrees contract after West Ham talks
Alongside James Trafford and Maxime Esteve, who has also been linked to the London Stadium, the England under-19 international has been superb.
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As a result, it is little surprise to learn that the defender would be wanted away from Lancashire ahead of the new campaign.
Stat (Championship 24/25) CJ Egan-Riley
Appearances 41
Tackles won 41
Duels won 172
CJ Egan-Riley Burnley stats 24/25
This has seen claims that the Irons held talks with Egan-Riley ahead of a summer move as his contract ticks down at Turf Moor [ExWHUEmployee, 24 April].
The Manchester City academy product could prove to be a positive addition for Graham Potter and his squad after a difficult spell to this point.
With that being said, the English head coach is set to be dealt an early transfer blow as the Burnley defender is close to joining Strasbourg on a free transfer [talkSPORT, 14 May].
The Ligue 1 outfit, managed by Liam Rosenior, have agreed a five-year contract with the English defender ahead of his expiration at Turf Moor.
West Ham miss out on Egan-Riley
The Hammers already have useful options in their back line in the shape of Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of the new season.
Besides this duo, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Aaron Cresswell have filled in, and with the latter set to leave, the defence could be left light for Potter and Co.
As a result, Egan-Riley could have been an ideal signing for the Irons, especially on a free transfer to free up funds for other deals throughout the window.
Instead, the Hammers will be forced to turn to other options, especially with Nayef Aguerd also seemingly desperate to leave.
The picture is already clearing in this hunt for additions.
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