Nayef Aguerd desperate to quit West Ham as final step taken
West Ham are expected to sanction the departures of several players before Monday’s transfer deadline day.
Guido Rodriguez is set to leave West Ham, with Andy Irving another midfielder who could be on the way out.
Lucas Paqueta is in talks to join Aston Villa, with Unai Emery reportedly interested in completing a big-money move for the Brazilian before the deadline.
West Ham have signed Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa in recent days, with Graham Potter keen to refresh his midfield.
Potter is under huge pressure at the London Stadium, but is expected to be given the time to bed in his new signings.
Could Nayef Aguerd throw a spanner in the works, though?
Nayef Aguerd is not expected to play vs Nottingham Forest as exit nears
Sunderland are among the clubs interested in Aguerd, with West Ham open to letting the defender leave before the transfer deadline.
The 29-year-old spent last season at Real Sociedad, making 21 appearances in La Liga and impressing.
Excitement surrounding the signing of Aguerd had been high when the Hammers spent £30million to sign him from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais in 2022.
But injury plagued the defender’s first months in London, and the following season brought many of the same issues.
| Nayef Aguerd | Vs Chelsea |
| Tackles won | 0 |
| Clearances | 10 |
| Duels won | 5 |
Aguerd made just 21 appearances in the Premier League and was left out of the squad for much of the latter part of the season.
Despite appearing in both of West Ham’s opening Premier League fixtures this season, the Morocco international is “determined” to leave, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The journalist reported on 30 August that, whilst a deal that would see Aguerd leave is not done, the 29-year-old is determined to leave and is not expected to play against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
West Ham must replace Nayef Aguerd
If Aguerd is to receive his wish of a move away, West Ham will certainly need to sign a replacement in the closing days of the window.
Potter currently has just four central defenders at his disposal, with Jean-Clair Todibo suffering from injury problems of his own last season.
Options for West Ham will be limited, but it can be expected that decision-makers at the London Stadium will be eager to get rid of an unhappy player.
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