Something of a re-integration appears to have taken place under Graham Potter.
Three months ago West Ham’s want-away defender Nayef Aguerd was asking to be excused pre-season, as he didn’t plan on coming back to West Ham, and was simply waiting for his loan side Real Sociedad to bid for him. In any case, rumours were that a host of European sides including Marseille, Roma, Milan, along with Premier League Sunderland were keen to secure his transfer.
In something of a quiet revolution, the Euro-admirers have vanished – probably being deterred by West Ham’s’ £20 million + price demand – and even Sunderland appear to have backed away from a bid. Sunderlandecho.com now suggests that the Black Cats have walked backwards from a bid to secure the 29 year old Aguerd because West Ham have, in fact, signalled that they don’t want to sell him:
“[West Ham] the club have seemingly dropped a number of hints that would suggest the defender will be staying put for the time being…Aguerd has been handed the number five shirt at the London Stadium in the aftermath of Vladimir Coufal’s departure from the Claret [and Blues].
Aguerd started two out of three matches during West Ham’s pre-season Premier League Summer Series tour of the United States in the past week or so, including a full 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday night.”
So, Sunderland move on and Potter can quietly congratulate himself on another satisfactory re-engagement for a ‘want-away’ Hammer. The defence has grown in solidity over the summer friendlies, and whilst tougher tests lie ahead, West Ham’s new number 5 does seem more settled and meshing well with fellow centre backs Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo.
A win for Potter: A small one, but a definite ‘win’.
The only reason we are integrating Agured back into the team, is because no one else wants him and we have no money for anyone else.
That’s it, no other reason.
West hams centre back problems are far from fixed! In the first half against Bournemouth we should’ve conceded 3 goals! All 3 centre backs looked slow and especially todibo who was taken on at will on the left wing.kilman didn’t mark edmilson and he had an open goal.Also none of the three are adept at heading the ball,so we have no threat going forward and are vulnerable in defense against any decent centre forward.We need a centre back like Lewis dunk who organizes the back line.
We have Mavrapanos and i for one (probably the only one!) hope we keep him..yes he does make mistakes then again what player does not and as an option from the bench and knowing the league why would we sell him only to try and find a replacement….so keep Mav and use what little pot Sullivan will give elsewhere.
Agree with you pat. Just as when playing for Greece, Dinos might be a revelation playing with different teammates around him.
Keep Mav and spend the money on some upgrades around him. We have already started with this strategy.
If Casey is going on loan to Southampton we definitely need another fourth centre back. Especially if we are going to be playing five at the back. Bound to get injuries during the season. I’m wondering if Alvarez will be employed at the back in that circumstance.
‘another fourth centre back’.. is that a fifth? we have four already.