Saudi clubs make official approach for Nayef Aguerd, permanent move only – Fabrizio Romano
West Ham will only accept permanent transfer bids for Nayef Aguerd amid several official approaches from Saudi Arabia, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer specialist reported via X [3 January] that multiple Saudi clubs have registered an interest in the Moroccan centre-back. AC Milan and AS Roma have also approached the Hammers but are only able to offer loan deals, which West Ham will not accept.
It is understood, however, that Aguerd is happy at West Ham and in the Premier League as he continues to be part of David Moyes’ preferred centre-back partnership alongside Kurt Zouma.
Huge impact
Aguerd has made a huge impact at the London Stadium since arriving from Rennes in June 2022. Having made 51 appearances, and scoring four goals, the defender helped secure Premier League safety last season as well as playing all eight of West Ham’s Europa Conference League fixtures as they lifted the trophy.
With Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogbonna, Thilo Kehrer and Konstantinos Mavrapanos Moyes’ only choices in the centre-back position, it is unlikely to see Aguerf depart during the January transfer window unless they can find a replacement.
Aguerd will be away with Morocco on international duty for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, so it is possible that the 27-year-old has played his final game in West Ham colours.
But the club should be looking to hold onto the player, even if a large transfer fee comes in from a Saudi club. Ogbonna’s age is starting to show and Kehrer could also depart the club this season, which would leave West Ham in a rather sticky position with the Premier League top four and Europa League trophy to fight for.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are looking to cash in on one exit-linked forward player to sign three men.