Nayef Aguerd used West Ham’s interest as leverage to secure improved contract
Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd used West Ham United’s interest as leverage to secure an improved contract, according to The Athletic.
The Moroccan, 25, was on the Hammers radar in the summer of 2021, but a move did not go through, and he used it to his advantage, landing a four-year deal in the process.
West Ham are looking to sign a left-footed centre-back before the end of the January transfer window, but a move for Aguerd looks very unlikely at the moment.
Smart agent
The goalscoring centre-back would be a solid addition to the Irons backline after David Moyes lost both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna to long-term injuries, but a move looks to be out of their reach right now.
Aguerd’s representatives were smart enough to get Rennes to hand him a new deal last summer after just a season at the club, and the London Stadium have to look elsewhere.
Issa Diop and Craig Dawson have both done fairly well in the absence of the injured duo, but West Ham are not as solid at the back as they were when 2021-22 started.
Moyes simply cannot afford to rely on his current available senior options going forward.
Zouma has been tipped to return to action soon, but he will not be expected to start playing immediately, and it could take until March until he is fully match-fit.
The Hammers will not be rushing to make defensive signings this month, and it would not be surprising if they end up making none.
However, their top-four chances could be affected if they fail to make quality additions in the coming weeks, and missing out on the Champions League places for the second season running will be a massive blow.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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