West Ham United are now on the brink of completing a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, but still face competition from Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Defensive needs
The Hammers are keen to strengthen their central defensive options ahead of a second consecutive season playing European football, having seen their run to the 2021/22 Europa League semi-final disrupted by injuries to Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna.
Irons boss David Moyes is said to view Aguerd as a long-term option to help fill the gaps in his side’s back-line, and the East London club have since identified the Morocco international as a primary target this summer after opening talks over a permanent deal last month.
The Latest: Sheth’s news
Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Sky Sports reporter Sheth shared the latest news concerning Aguerd’s potential move to West Ham. He claimed:
“Rennes central defender Nayef Aguerd has been having first part of medical today. Expected to do second part in London tomorrow ahead of finalising West Ham move. They may have competition, though. Newcastle thought to be interested.”
The Verdict: Get it done…
When compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, Aguerd's attacking-from-the-back qualities are immense, ranking in the 93rd percentile for assists and in the 90th percentile for passes attempted (via FB Ref).
Perhaps as a result of his forward thinking fit in the modern game, the 26-year-old has been dubbed “the best value left-sided centre back in Europe”.
According to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, Aguerd is set to become the ‘first major signing’ of what Moyes hopes to be a busy transfer window for the Hammers, and we would only urge GSB to get a move on with Newcastle looking to swoop in.
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