West Ham Burnley CJ Egan-Riley Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago and Burnley Football Club)
Dakir Thanveer
Wed 14 May 2025 19:10, UK
Jacob Steinberg has shed light on West Ham United’s interest in CJ Egan-Riley amid conflicting reports about his future.
West Ham have two more games left in the Premier League this season, but have nothing to play for, as they are miserably placed 15th in the table.
That is why the East London club are already looking towards next season, with planning for the summer transfer window underway.
Graham Potter, though, has to be creative with his signings, as the Irons face financial constraints after spending over £120million under Tim Steidten’s supervision last year.
That is why Egan-Riley has emerged as an attractive option at the London Stadium, as he nears the end of his contract at Burnley.
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West Ham working on deal to sign Egan-Riley
ExWHUEmployee reported as early as 1 April that West Ham are interested in signing Egan-Riley on a free transfer this summer, with an offer already lined up.
It later emerged that Potter’s side have also held talks with the 22-year-old over moving to the London-based club ahead of next summer.
However, in a sudden twist of events, talkSPORT reported on Wednesday (14 May) morning that Egan-Riley is close to joining Strasbourg.
The broadcasters claimed that the defender has already agreed to a five-year contract with Chelsea’s sister club, much to West Ham’s disappointment.
Matches Goals Goals Conceded Clean Sheets Minutes
43 1 14 28 3706′
Egan-Riley’s record for Burnley this season.
However, that is not to say the Hammers have given up hopes of signing Egan-Riley, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported via his personal X handle on Wednesday evening that the David Sullivan-owned club are “continuing to look at a deal” to sign the youngster, despite interest from elsewhere.
Egan-Riley to impress under Potter
Defence is certainly an area West Ham will look to strengthen this summer, especially with Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell confirmed to be leaving.
While Potter often prefers to play with a five-man defence, it is worth noting that he only has three senior centre-backs available.
That means he will be keen to add another central defender to his ranks when the transfer window opens, making Egan-Riley an ideal candidate.
Primarily a centre-back, the Manchester City youth product is also comfortable operating as a right-back.
Potter could therefore deploy him as a right-sided centre-back or a right-back if needed.
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