West Ham United manager Graham Potter will hand Nayef Aguerd a lifeline heading into the 2025/26 season amid his exploits for Real Sociedad.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Nayef Aguerd has made his mark for Real Sociedad since joining the Basque outfit from West Ham United last summer. The Moroccan international defender’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, compelling Graham Potter to mull over handing him a lifeline at West Ham United heading into the 2025/26 season.
Nayef Aguerd and his resurgence at Real Sociedad
Nayef Aguerd has endured a rollercoaster ride since joining West Ham United from Stade Rennais in a deal worth £30 million in July 2022. A native of Kenitra, the African defender spent his formative years in Morocco and graduated from the youth division at Mohammed VI Football Academy.
However, the 28-year-old rose in prominence during his spell in France, excelling at Dijon FCO and Stade Rennais. Aguerd would have hoped to continue that momentum at West Ham United, but he could not manage regular game time at the East London club in his first two seasons at the London Stadium.
So, it was hardly surprising when West Ham loaned the Moroccan international to Real Sociedad last summer. Aguerd has been a regular for La Real in the 2024/25 season thus far, amassing nearly 3,000 minutes of game time across 34 appearances in all competitions. Those exploits have raised eyebrows and turned heads.
What next?
Recent reports have linked Nayef Aguerd with Manchester United. While the Red Devils might dip into the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window, pursuing the West Ham outcast might not be worth their while, considering Ayden Heaven’s breakthrough since arriving from Arsenal in the winter transfer window.
While Manchester United might not launch the offensive to sign the 28-year-old centre-back, he will likely earn a lifeline at West Ham United under Graham Potter. Aguerd has yet to play under the English tactician, who might lose Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer transfer window.
Aguerd’s exploits suggest there might be a way back for him at West Ham United. However, it will be interesting to see how the Moroccan international fares in the pre-season before the 2025/26 campaign.
