I have to say, I wasn’t expecting much of a return when West Ham eventually offloaded Nayef Aguerd during the last transfer window.
After all, the Hammers had spent the best part of 18 months trying to find a buyer for the Moroccan, who seemed to have far grander ideas of where he should play than the actual clubs bidding for him.
However, as the summer window drew to a close, Aguerd accepted a loan move to Real Sociedad after rejecting offers from Turkey and Germany. Initial inspection suggested that the no-frills short-term deal wouldn’t massively benefit West Ham, with a low loan fee, subsidised wages, and no obligation to buy.
But it turns out Aguerd is starting to resemble the player who convinced David Moyes to fork out £30 million for him, as he’s set La Liga alight. Sociedad beat Barcelona at the weekend, with Aguerd earning rave reviews that have sparked fresh interest in his services. I must admit that I checked if my phone needed an update or at least a new prescription for my glasses when I read that Real Madrid were preparing a bid.
In just a few months, West Ham’s depreciating asset looks like one of the best defenders around. If he maintains his form, the Irons could expect a bidding war next summer, with £25 million being the general consensus on his value.
Who’d have thought it?
I liked Aguerd initially, excellent speed! However, when the ball was played above him he seemed to lose spatial awareness and became a liability.
Let the bidding war begin!
I think that says more about thr utter shambles that is West Ham United. Brilliant before he joined us brilliant after he left.
It’s not a surprise, good player who like others go to **** when at West Ham due to poor managers and crap training.
Oh yeah what a suprise a player leaves west ham and plays great football, you mean like Haller, Scamacca just to name a few?
Perhaps the problem is this shambles of a club.
That’s exactly what I wanted to say, Ironsman! You took the words right out of my mouth, so thank you.
I know it is easy to say but I can assure you I could always see class in him so if it continues let us retain him if we can
Yeah Gonzo, maybe you coulda gone to SpecSavers!?
Aguerd looked like a quality defender before he came to West Ham and now looks a quality defender after leaving, so where might the issue be…?
Something went on with him behind the scenes and he soured on being at WHU, wanted to leave. It’s a shame, as he has enough qualities to be a top player.
I often think I watch different games to some others. Always knew Aguerd was a top player and am not surprised at all. In terms of ability he has most attributes and far more than the Greek. Ultimately, with a low block and giving away 80% a game, it is a tough gig for all defenders. Would not be surprised to see him at Real Madrid in truth. Classy for sure and quick. Maybe lacks a little physicality for PL but I would have certainly given him another season under a new manager but does seem as though he wants to go. However, reading this post is strange as surely this is not a surprise. You only have to watch him in International Games to see how good he is.
Nobody can deny Aguerd is a quality CB. He did struggle in the Prem despite his pace. Having Zouma next to you couldn’t have helped.
When you play negative football it must affect the mindset of the players and them team. We saw it with Moyes and history is repeating itself with JLo
Spot on, fully agree with everything you say. Killman, Aguerd and Todibo are all classy competent defenders. But defending the 18 yard box home or away every week will lead to concentration issues with the best. We’ve never replaced Rice’s energy, game reading instinct and protection in midfield. Moyes didn’t manage it and Lopetegui hasn’t got a scooby. We’re a shambles and by the end of the month we’ll be in the bottom three. We’ve been through some desperate time’s but I truly think now the board, the manager and player’s have no idea how to turn things around.
Shame it didn’t work out for him with us (thanks Moyes) but It will be great to get a decent return on him if it actually happens. Now just the problem of the other 3 loanees that will be returning in the summer.
Moyes spent £30m on JWP to take corners!
Forest look better with Gibbs-White & Anderson. Both players are energetic, dynamic players that play incisive passes rather than slow sideways football.
Don’t even talk about Kalvin Phillips! 🤦♂️
Tim is getting a lot of heat right now but people have very short memories.
Moyes spent £60m on Zouma and Aguerd, and this despite knowing Zouma had massive injury issues.
The amount of money wasted by Sullivan on transfers thanks to his preferred agents is crazy.
If there’s a bidding war, surely we can get our £30m back?
I never take players being linked to clubs serious as so many stories are completely fabricated.
I’d be amazed if Aguerd ends up at Real Madrid.
Good to see him rejuvenating his career in Spain. He never suited the Premiership, especially under Moyes with our defence a shambles.
For a so called defensive manager, the way Moyes set up the team invited constant pressure and Aguerd was bullied by strong offensive players.
Shame we can’t loan out JLo to La Liga.