West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd has reportedly emerged as one of a number of players who could leave the club in the summer transfer window.
The Hammers could experience a summer of change at the end of the season, especially if David Moyes moves on as manager, as has been mooted in recent weeks.
That feels as though it could be possible, with pressure growing on the Scot at times of late, although the next few months in the Premier League could determine his future.
Once the next transfer window arrives, new signings will be needed to add a freshness to West Ham’s squad, but there will also likely be players who move on.
One of those could be Aguerd, according to a new update from Football Insider, with the Moroccan heading off to pastures new:
“Nayef Aguerd could become one of the highest-profile players to quit West Ham in the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is more likely to leave the Irons than defensive colleague Kurt Zouma – despite extensive speculation linking the former Chelsea star with Saudi Pro League sides.
“It is believed Aguerd is still wanted in the Middle East after original interest in his services first surfaced last summer (2023).”
Losing Aguerd in the summer would feel like a blow for West Ham, considering what a solid player he has largely been since arriving from Rennes in 2022.
The 27-year-old has made 54 appearances in total, with 19 Premier League starts coming his way this season, averaging 2.2 aerial duel wins per game, not to mention 4.3 in the Europa League.
Should Aguerd demand a fresh challenge, West Ham can take solace from the fact that he is contracted at the London Stadium until the summer of 2027, meaning they can demand a good amount of money for his services, adding to their transfer fund.
To lose both Aguerd and Kurt Zouma at the same time would certainly leave a void for the Hammers at the heart of the defence, and should that happen, and it is essential that the funds are used to sign top-quality replacements.