West Ham United clearly want Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd exits after new transfer update
One thing that West Ham United fans can agree on is the fact that their defence needs a major revamp this summer.
Despite finishing in a respectable ninth place just eight points adrift from Manchester United, the Hammers had one of the worst defensive records in the top flight.
Julen Lopetegui has already started to make moves in that department as the club are on the cusp of adding Max Kilman to their ranks [Fabrizio Romano, 4 July].
The Wolves captain will no doubt be a stellar addition to the Hammers’ squad and will likely improve the team’s defensive record tenfold.
It also helps that Lopetegui has worked with Kilman before as it will enable him to gel into the team better as he already has an understanding of the Spaniard’s tactics.
Lopetegui has also made a couple of bids for Nice star Jean Clair-Todibo in an attempt to further strengthen his squad [Fabrizio Romano, 5 July].
Within those bids, it was reported by Foot Mercato [5 July] that both Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma were included as part of potential deals.
These were rejected by the Ligue 1 outfit but showed that the Hammers clearly see the pair as a surplus to requirements.
Why Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd need to depart West Ham United this summer
Although Zouma is the Hammers’ captain, last season wasn’t one of his finest. The same goes for Aguerd whose playstyle doesn’t seem quite suited to the intensity of the Premier League.
Granted, at times the pair have shown their worth to the club, more often than not last term they were at fault for the goals conceded.
Despite the pair not being used as bargaining chips for Lopetegui’s pursuit of Todibo, there should still be a way out for them both.
Aguerd is the most likely to depart with significant interest being shown in the defender from the Saudi Pro League.
Zouma also has some offers on the table but will likely draw in less money for the Hammers due to his injury history.
It may be time to wave goodbye.
In other West Ham news, Emerson may now be closer to an exit than ever after the latest transfer update.
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