In what could be seen as tacit acceptance that on-loan defender Nayef Aguerd has no appetite to return to London, West Ham have been linked with a centre back replacement should they decide to part company with the Moroccan in the summer.
Aguerd has spent a season – a very successful one – at Real Sociedad in la Liga and has been the lynchpin of their defence. When Aguerd left on loan he issued a mammoth claret and blue – fan- ‘farewell’ on social media and claimed he planned never to come back, as he’d always wanted to play in Spain and had even started learning the language.
However, as per last night’s C and H article, Real Sociedad aren’t flush with cash and could not afford to pay Aguerd his West Ham wages, nor stump up the £25 million plus which Aguerd would command.
Don’t underestimate the Brais Mendez part exchange stories from this winter, suggesting Aguerd and Mendez could swop clubs with the talented midfielder heading to West Ham: That would certainly explain the story today suggesting West Ham are looking at centre back alternatives and have been linked with Udinese central defender Oumar Solet (teamtalk.com).
Ironically West Ham could have acquired the defender on a ‘free’ in 2024 as we suggested last Summer. Whether the Hammers move for Solet, or look closer to home for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood Bellis will depend on Aguerd’s attitude, frankly.
Perhaps now West Ham are in the Potter era, Aguerd will be more inclined to come back to the Premier League: However, If the player has to be dragged back kicking and screaming to London Stadium then surely a sale or exchange deal is in both club’s interests.