West Ham United are poised for a significant defensive overhaul this summer as manager Julen Lopetegui looks to reshape his backline. The potential departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd signal a new era at the London Stadium.
While both Zouma and Aguerd have had their moments at West Ham, reports suggest their inconsistencies and physical limitations have led the club to seek replacements.
West Ham have already invested heavily in central defender Max Kilman and are chasing Jean-Clair Todibo. Recouping transfer fees for Zouma and Aguerd would provide a significant financial boost for these pursuits.
Previous interest from the Saudi Pro League for both players might now be joined by stronger offers from European clubs. This potential bidding war could work in West Ham’s favour, allowing them to negotiate higher transfer fees.
Lopetegui’s arrival marks a fresh start for West Ham, and a revamped defence appears to be a cornerstone of his plans. Offloading Zouma and Aguerd demonstrates the club’s commitment to his vision.
The only bidding wars for Zouma will be between knackers yards. His right knee is completely fecked and he can hardly bend it. I’m amazed he’s managed to play for us as long as he has. He must be in agony after every match.
Agree with all that has been said about Zoom(a) and it appears only Saudi’s maybe interested (if we’re lucky).
JLo looks almost as desperate to sign Jean-Clair as he was Kilman.
As it stands whu are £8.5m short of figure to get deal done.
With Jean-Clair making it clear he wants move to whu surely in football terms it’s not significant enough to be a problem.
Southampton are chirping at the bit for Downes do a straight swap for KWP.
Which leaves l/bk, left winger and striker to sort.
Contracts for zouma/ings/Freddie & fab finish 2025. If no one wants to buy zouma or ings now, either pay them off or wind contract down. Then new players now can acclimatise and end of contract players next summer can be replaced.
They can’t as need them out to have wages for others and stay in FFP
Plus I can’t see how he could pass a medical.
I could see Aguerd getting some offers although much less than we paid for him. But Zouma who would buy him? Even if he was given a free transfer we would have to hope that the player himself would be prepared to take a major drop in pay because who would be prepared pay his exorbitant wages?
I agree, ‘D’… even by sweetening the deal and offering to pay part of Zouma’s salary I think it’ll be hard to move him on: See our exclusive regarding exactly this situation with Danny Ings ( and Ings has two working knees).