West Ham are prepared to rekindle their interest in Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd this summer.
According to a report from Telegraph, West Ham are ready to revisit their interest in Nayef Aguerd. The Premier League outfit were linked with a move for the Rennes defender last summer but the deal did not materialise, with the player ending up penning a contract extension at the club.
But Aguerd’s potential move to London could be back on the table this summer, with West Ham rekindling their interest in the defender. Aguerd has been courted by other Premier League clubs as well, but one would expect the Hammers to lead the chase due to their previous attempts at signing the player.
Formerly of Dijon, Aguerd has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since his move to Rennes in 2020. In two years at the club, the Moroccan has racked up 78 competitive appearances, becoming an integral figure in the club’s defensive line.
A centre-back by trade, the 26-year-old has impressed the onlookers with his imposing 1.90m frame. It gives him a considerable advantage in physical and aerial duels while making him a threat from set-pieces. The defender notably has nine Ligue 1 goals to his name in just 89 top-flight appearances.
The addition of Aguerd could have been ideal for West Ham last summer, as the Moroccan international could have been an ideal replacement for the injured Angelo Ogbonna. He may also have been an upgrade over Craig Dawson, using his technique and imposing physique to become an ideal defensive partner for Kurt Zouma.
While West Ham could not seal the deal last summer, they are hoping for better luck this time around, with David Moyes desperate to beef up his options in the defensive unit.
The Hammers have already been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive stalwart Edmond Tapsoba. But the Bundesliga sensation could cost a fortune, which is where Nayef Aguerd comes into the fray. Although West Ham may still have to reach deep in their pockets to afford the Rennes centre-back, he could be relatively cheaper than most other targets.
Aguerd also offers considerable experience at the highest level of football. And at 26, he is at the peak of his powers, thus making him a viable investment for the Hammers ahead of the coming season.
