West Ham United are confident of signing Nayef Aguerd after making a €35 million offer for the Rennes defender.
According to a report from Guardian, West Ham United are closing in on the capture of Nayef Aguerd. The Premier League outfit have made a €35 million offer for the Rennes centre-back and are confident of signing the player, after proposing a further €5 million in add-ons.
If the deal goes through, Aguerd will become the first signing for a West Ham side currently struggling with numbers at the back. Given the financial implications of the deal, the defender’s arrival should come as a statement of intent for a side that have looked quite apprehensive in the market in recent years.
Formerly of Dijon, Aguerd is a proven operator in Ligue 1, having enjoyed immense success since his move to Rennes in 2020. In just two years, the centre-back has racked up 80 competitive appearances for the team. His contributions have been critical in helping Rennes maintain their relevance in the top tier of French football.
Standing at 1.90m, Aguerd is a tall centre-back whose physique gives him a considerable edge in aerial and physical duels. He is also adept at playing the ball out from the back and his ability to read the game could make him an ideal fit for David Moyes’ tactical philosophy.
The addition of Nayef Aguerd, though, could pose question marks on the future of Issa Diop. The Frenchman has struggled for relevance under Moyes’ plans and has been linked with a move away from London Stadium. Manchester United are among the clubs keen on securing the services of Diop, though they may face competition from Ligue 1 outfits.
Aside from the uncertainty surrounding the future of Diop, West Ham have other problems at the back. Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna are well past their thirties, with the latter also suffering an ACL injury that could make it almost impossible for him to return to his old groove.
That is where Nayef Aguerd comes into the fray. The Moroccan international should become the club’s first-choice option at centre-back alongside Kurt Zouma. His ability to play on the right-hand side of central defence could make it easier for West Ham to play the ball out from the back while his physique makes him an ideal fit for the Premier League’s brand of play.
For a fee of €35 million, West Ham are certainly taking a risk by breaking the bank for Aguerd and the Hammers can only hope the Rennes centre-back can deliver in the English top-flight.
