One of the stranger West Ham transfer stories to break yesterday was that of defender Nayef Aguerd.
The Moroccan international, who has returned to the London Stadium after a season-long loan at Real Sociedad, has been a mainstay of the Hammers’ fragile defence during this horrendous start to the season.
Aguerd hardly covered himself in glory on Tuesday night either, showing little urgency when failing to react to the rebound from Wolves’ penalty in the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat.
Aguerd has not impressed for the Hammers so far
Aguerd’s secret admirer
So it came as a real surprise to see him described as a priority signing for another Premier League club. And it was even more unbelievable when the club in question was revealed as… Sunderland. Yes, the very same Black Cats who smashed three goals past a hapless West Ham defence containing Aguerd on the opening day.
For the record, these rumours have not been confirmed by Claret & Hugh’s top transfer source. In fact, the suggestion feels faintly absurd. But when we checked late last night for an update, we were cryptically told:
“Can’t talk now, trying to finish this deal.”
Which deal that referred to remains a mystery to me and may well have nothing to do with West Ham. But if it did involve Aguerd moving to Sunderland, I’d be gobsmacked.
One thing’s for sure—Potter’s team (or whoever inherits it) are in desperate need of a no-nonsense defender, preferably one with genuine leadership qualities. Aguerd, on current form, hardly fits the bill.
I’m getting to the point where thinking that we look so weak at the back that we could do far worse than play Fulkrug at the back. At least he can jump and head a ball rather than just standing there and watch it sail over.
My best mates a Sunderland fan(yeah it was a tough first weekend)and he hopes this is not true….like many i hope he goes his hearts not with the club and he is not a good player in this league.
Rather have Aguerd than Kilman. At least he has recovery pace. And Mav alongside him, who can at least head the ball. Neither Todibo or Kilman have guts.
I really don’t think he is that bad, he has a great diagonal ball on him and does have a bit of passion which is sorely lacking in the defence. Remember we conceded twice as soon as he came off on Tuesday….
Gotta pay for the £38m Fernandes deal somehow, or is that Paqueta going after another board ‘miscommunication’.
Please for the love of God let this one be true….
I will drive him up there myself, shocking defender, can’t cope with the physicality of the Premier
He is just going through the motions for us, never wanted to come back. These players that get paid a fortune but can’t find it within themselves to concentrate and react for 90 mins. But Potter, if he stays, loves a back 3 and if Aguerd goes that’s exactly how many central defenders we’ll have left. Genius as per usual.
I’m a bus driver and if it makes the deal go through I’ll deliver him to Sunderland at the end of my shift.
Can you park the bus in front of our goal on Sunday please Colin?
If it wasn’t for the fact I’m in Stratford upon Avon on holiday I could have done. My bus route goes in to Nottingham and I would have been able to drop off a few Forest fans who regularly catch the bus at the same time lol.
I’m a West Ham Fan living just outside Derby by the way and very much share your frustrations Gonzo. Great site by the way.
Sell, sell, sell. He is useless.