Bayer Leverkusen want Nayef Aguerd as West Ham exit plan emerges already
West Ham are aiming to make big changes in the summer, but sales will be necessary to fund a squad rebuild after their woeful campaign.
The Hammers spent heavily last summer but regressed on the pitch as they finished 14th, and Graham Potter has a huge task on his hands as he aims to improve the squad.
West Ham’s defence needs reinforcement after conceding 62 goals in 38 Premier League games, but they will not be taking advantage of one internal solution.
Nayef Aguerd went on loan to Real Sociedad for the campaign, and while he struggled with injury, he impressed with some strong performances, which could now earn him a move elsewhere.
Aguerd attracting transfer interest
Aguerd is now attracting interest from several Champions League sides, and the defender is set to leave West Ham permanently this summer.
The 29-year-old failed to make an impact at the London Stadium, but his impressive loan spell could mean West Ham can recuperate some of the £30million they spent on him.
| Stat (LaLiga 24/25) | Nayef Aguerd |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Accurate passes | 1209 |
| Tackles won | 24 |
| Duels won | 115 |
Santi Aouna has shared that Bayer Leverkusen, under new manager Erik ten Hag, as well as Marseille and even Atletico Madrid, are keen on the defender, while Sociedad may also want to keep him.
Aguerd is said to want Champions League football, with Leverkusen and Marseille making him their top target ahead of the window opening.
West Ham need a significant Aguerd sale
Even if West Ham wanted to bring Aguerd back after his impressive season, he clearly wants to play in the Champions League, and a permanent departure is certain.
The Moroccan has two years left on his contract at West Ham, and they are highly unlikely to profit on the £30million they paid for him in 2022.
Aguerd was underwhelming for most of his West Ham career, but if the Hammers can recoup some money for him, they can reinvest that into their back line.
Jean-Clair Todibo will join permanently despite an inconsistent season, but with Potter electing to use a back-three formation, another centre-back would be ideal to try and fix the leaky defence.