Rumours that Real Sociedad will be able to finance a deal for Nayef Aguerd in the summer ( CandH today) are quite possibly wide of the mark. The Moroccan international would have to take a significant pay cut to join the La Liga side, with West Ham currently covering the majority of his wages during his current loan deal.
Additionally with two years left on his contract, the Hammers will be demanding a fee close to, or exceeding the £30m they paid Rennes in 2022.
Only last month Claret & Hugh were informed by a source “West Ham will not take silly offers. A lot of clubs had their chance but it’s win/win for the club now. Either the player comes back to London, or he gets sold, but silly offers of £15-£20m won’t be enough now…he will cost top money.”
A number of clubs have shown an interest in Aguerd, and based on his current form, more will likely follow suit. Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly among the interested teams.
Graham Potter will likely want to assess the player, although Augerd made it clear when leaving the London stadium that he saw his future elsewhere, even changing his agents to help facilitate a move.
A tweet from the player at the time read “West Ham will always be a significant part of my career. The time I’ve spent here has been full of great memories and emotions. I want to thank all the supporters for their constant support since I arrived.”
Unfortunately Augerd struggled with form at West Ham and seemed less suited to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. Coupled with recurring injuries, and PSR rules influencing future transfer business selling him would raise funds for the clubs transfer budget and free up wages which can be allocated to other areas.
The squad is currently understaffed in central defence, it requires at least one more player.
Aguerd is already our player for two more seasons, possibly with an option of a further year beyond that?
Let’s reintegrate him and focus on other areas in the future squad rebuild.