Issa Diop could be spared West Ham United exit by Angelo Ogbonna amid Nayef Aguerd deal
West Ham signing Nayef Aguerd may not force Issa Diop out of the club due to uncertainty over Angelo Ogbonna’s recovery, according to The Guardian.
The Hammers are reportedly “close” to an agreement for the Moroccan defender, having “sweetened” the deal with Rennes by offering €5million in add-ons, with the fee now £29.8million and far higher than previously suggested.
David Moyes has prioritised a centre-back during the window after injuries to Kurt Zouma and Ogbonna this season, and inconsistent form from Diop.
The latter’s future is reportedly “in doubt” if Aguerd arrives as expected, but his stay at the London Stadium could be extended if there are doubts over his Italian teammate’s recovery from the ACL injury that has kept him out since November.
The Guardian report says: “West Ham’s interest in Aguerd will raise doubts over Diop’s future. The 25-year-old Frenchman was inconsistent last season and he could be available.
“However the uncertainty over Ogbonna means Moyes could choose to have five centre-backs.”
One extreme to the other
After having only one central defender at points this season in the form of Craig Dawson the prospect of having five would be a major swing.
This squad knows more than most the value of having bodies available to fill gaps as it is one of the thinnest in the Premier League.
But if Diop’s form is so up and down that the manager apparently cannot trust him then there is hardly a major benefit in keeping him as back-up.
Assuming 33-year-old Ogbonna is able to get back to his previous level then there is little chance of Diop making a contribution.
But if he struggles to overcome such a major injury past the age of 30 then that would leave two of the group with doubts hanging over them.
It would likely be more beneficial in the long-term to hand the fifth spot in the pecking order to an academy product like Ajibola Alese if the manager would actual use him.
Proceeds from a sale could be put to use elsewhere, even to bring in a second defender this window for a lower fee.
It seems more likely there will be more movement at the position in the coming weeks with the long-term futures of multiple figures unclear.
In other West Ham news, the club want a wonderkid who has already been giving his club’s blessing to leave.
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