Liverpool monitor West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd in potential summer defensive rebuild
Liverpool are reportedly keeping their eye on West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd as Jurgen Klopp plans a major defensive rejig this summer, according to Goal.
The Moroccan international was one of the standout players for his country during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, helping them reach the semi-finals and has continued that form for the Hammers since his return.
Hammers teammate Declan Rice lauded the defender for his “massive” performances in Qatar, and he’s reportedly on the radar of a top English club.
According to the report [1 March], the defender’s rise to prominence both for club and country over the past few months has not gone unnoticed at Anfield and the Reds are seemingly admirers of the 26-year-old as Klopp plans to significantly bolster his ailing defence this summer.
Must not sell
With the Hammers planning a major defensive rebuild of their own following the sale of Craig Dawson to Wolves and the uncertain futures of Angelo Ogbonna and Vladimir Coufal, selling Aguerd should be deemed an absolute non-starter.
Aguerd is a player the club should be building their whole team around, especially with the likes of Rice looking set to leave the club this summer.
The Moroccan international, without a shadow of a doubt, possesses the capabilities and the characteristics to be the club’s next captain.
Aguerd proved throughout the World Cup last month, that he’s got the potential to become one of the best of his position on the continent, and for that reason alone, the Hammers must keep him at the London Stadium beyond this season, even if clubs like Liverpool throw big money to sign him.
The Hammers should seek out a long-term option to partner with him next season, not replace him.