West Ham are preparing for offers for centre-back Nayef Aguerd in the summer transfer window, according to a new update regarding his future.
The Moroccan arrived at the London Stadium from Ligue 1 side Rennes back in 2022, and since coming in, he has proven to be a reliable performer at the heart of the Hammers’ defence.
Aguerd has racked up a total of 58 appearances for West Ham, forging a good partnership with Kurt Zouma at times, and 21 starts came his way in the Premier League last season.
While the 28-year-old still has three years remaning on his current deal in east London, it looks as though the club could be bracing themselves for a departure in the summer window.
That’s according to a fresh claim from Football Insider, who believe offers could be on their way in the near future, including from the Middle East:
The report states that “West Ham are expecting bids of £30million-plus to arrive from Saudi Arabia for Nayef Aguerd later in the window”, with the Premier League club “aware of strong interest in his signature from the Middle East”. It goes on to add that they are “willing to let him leave after signing Max Kilman from Wolves.”
Aguerd’s exit “may not be completed before mid-late August”, but “clubs in Saudi Arabia are lining up late offers to secure their top targets amid an overhaul of the Saudi Pro League structure.”
It would be a shame to see Aguerd depart West Ham this summer, considering what an accomplished centre-back he is, not only doing well for the Hammers but also shining for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, starting four times as his country reached the semi-finals.
The arrival of Max Kilman from Wolves does make him a more expendable figure, however, allowing Julen Lopetegui to cash in on him and use those funds for further incoming signings.
Essentially, if Aguerd has decided to leave West Ham, it is pointless trying to convince him to stay put, but he should be remembered a solid performer overall, playing his part in the memorable UEFA Europa Conference League success in 2022/23.
