Newcastle United have reportedly made an 11th-hour bid to hijack West Ham United’s imminent transfer for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.
According to an insider speaking exclusively to Claret and Hugh, West Ham United have apparently been dealt a blow in their pursuit to land centre-back Nayef Aguerd from Rennes after a sudden twist in the tale as Newcastle United have entered the fray for his signing.
West Ham are already locked in a battle with cash-rich Newcastle to secure the permanent signing of on-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, with the latter enticing the PSG goalkeeper with the promise of more first-team football.
Now, the Toon are trying to scupper another of West Ham’s transfer moves by making a last-gasp swoop for Moroccan defender Aguerd. The 26-year-old was widely reported to have flown to London to undergo his medical ahead of a move to West Ham United this week after they had reached a full agreement with Rennes.
West Ham United are in the market for a new centre-back as a long-term successor to veteran Angelo Ogbonna, who is coming off a major injury. Meanwhile, other central defenders at the club, Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson have had their own fitness issues in the past. With West Ham set for another season in Europe, they desperately need to bolster their backline this summer to avoid falling short in depth.
The Hammers are scouring for a left-footed centre-back to pair alongside Zouma. They have been linked with a slew of defenders this summer, but Aguerd has emerged as their No. 1 target. The 26-year-old has established a reputation for himself as one of the most reliable defenders in France in recent seasons.
Aguerd has played a pivotal role for Rennes since joining from Ligue 1 rivals Dijon back in 2020, helping his side achieve a sixth-placed finish in his first season at the club before securing fourth place and Europa League football in the 2021/22 campaign. And it seems his commanding defensive performances have not gone unnoticed, with West Ham linked with the defender in recent days.
Aguerd was supposed to be the Hammers’ first summer acquisition, but Newcastle have now swooped in with the hope of convincing Aguerd to move to the North-East instead. The Magpies hierarchy are thought to be interested in bringing in a new central defender, and as was the case in January, have made Sven Botman their top target.
But Newcastle are willing to walk away from the Botman deal due to Lille’s exorbitant demands. They have now seemingly turned their attentions to West Ham target Aguerd, who, like Botman, is a left-footed defender. The Moroccon international, known for his dominant aerial presence, ball-playing skills, ability to read the game and sharp recovery speed, fits the profile of the defender Eddie Howe wants to sign.
While this development is a certain blow to West Ham, it could well be a case of Newcastle trying to use Aguerd as a ploy to push through the Botman deal. Contracted until 2025 with Rennes, it will be interesting to see who among West Ham and Newcastle United come out on top in the chase for Aguerd’s signature.