West Ham United have had an approach for 25-year-old Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd knocked back by Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais.
According to a report by French publication L’Equipe, Nayef Aguerd is the subject of interest from West Ham United over a possible move in the January transfer window. However, the Hammers have had an approach for the Moroccan international knocked back by Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais.
Nayef Aguerd joined Stade Rennais from Dijon FCO in August 2020 and has since established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Ligue 1. A no-nonsense defender with a tremendous ability to read the game, the 25-year-old also possesses excellent vision.
Aguerd has made 65 appearances to date for the Ligue 1 club, and his performances have helped him pop up on the radar of several clubs outside France. London giants West Ham United are among the Moroccan defender’s long-time suitors.
West Ham had also been keen on signing Aguerd last summer, only to have an offer turned down by Rennes. History has repeated itself, as the Hammers have had an approach rebuffed by the Ligue 1 club, who have no intention of selling the player midway through the season.
The east Londoners need to sign a centre-back in the ongoing transfer window. Angelo Ogbonna has seen his 2021/22 campaign come to a premature halt due to a knee injury, while Kurt Zouma is recovering from a hamstring injury. As a result, several central defenders have been linked with West Ham, including Abdou Diallo.
It is likely that West Ham will have to pursue players like Diallo and Lloyd Kelly, as Rennes will not part with Aguerd this month. With Issa Diop linked with several clubs over a possible January move, including Newcastle United and Watford, West Ham’s need to sign a centre-back could become even more urgent.
The Hammers barely have any room for error as they chase a top-four finish while also being alive in the UEFA Europa League following an excellent group stage campaign. For now, though, what remains certain is that Aguerd will not be joining West Ham in the January transfer window.
