Nayef Aguerd posts emotional to Rennes ahead of expected West Ham United announcement
Nayef Aguerd has posted an extensive goodbye message on his Twitter page ahead of his expected announcement as a West Ham player.
The Moroccan defender has been subject to a drawn out transfer saga, after international duty and then a potential last-ditch hijacking from Newcastle delayed his arrival at the club.
According to ExWHUEmployee on Patreon the deal has been completed and he is due to be confirmed as the Hammers’ first summer signing on Monday.
He was in London to complete a medical with the Irons this week but apparently did not turn up for the second part, throwing his move into doubt, but it appears to have got over the line and the player has now announced his departure from the Ligue 1 club.
Writing in French on his Twitter account he said: “It is with great emotion that I announce that I played my last match under the colors of Lille.
“It’s a difficult decision as I have spent exceptional times here since my arrival at the club in August 2020.”
After highlighting some key matches and thanking individual figures who helped him in his time there he signed of with: “I gave everything from the 1st to the last day in match as in training, on and off the field and will be your 1st supporter.”
Protracted
It is slowly edging towards the news fans have been waiting for, after what has proven to be a far more convoluted process than expected.
Express reporter Ryan Taylor reported Friday (17 May) that Newcastle had made a late approach amid the confusion but the Hammers’ previously agreed deal eventually held firm.
The events of the transfers’ final days might put an edge of doubt on the player’s commitment, but judging from his departing message to Rennes fans after just two seasons, once he arrives he should throw himself into it fully.
David Moyes was after a left-footed centre-back from the off in the summer window and it appears that he has finally landed one.
This may now mean that Issa Diop leaves, and isn’t necessarily the final addition in the West Ham back line.
It should be the beginning of a relatively busy summer, with reinforcements in midfield and attack also sought, as well as plans to bring goalkeeper Alphonse Areola continuing.
With some rivals getting off to fast starts following the conclusion of the Premier League season, the situation surrounding Aguerd has proven to be a major frustration.
But he has made 100% clear today (18 June) that he is on his way out of Rennes, and the final step of him officially being unveiled as an Iron should follow imminently.
In other West Ham news, the club are targeting more defensive help in the form of a player desperate to make the move.
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