Nayef Aguerd injury may derail West Ham United exit for Issa Diop – Dharmesh Sheth
West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd’s injury may have a significant effect on Issa Diop’s exit from the club, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.
The club had been in talks with Fulham over a potential move for the French centre-back, with Diop receiving limited game time with the Hammers [Evening Standard].
However, after West Ham’s new signing suffered an ankle injury in a pre-season game defeat Rangers on Tuesday (19 July), the club may now put the Diop transfer on hold to avoid being left light in defence.
Writing via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday (20 July), Sheth said: “West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd has had scan on ankle he injured last night at Rangers.
“Full extent of injury won’t be known until the bruising subsides.
“West Ham unlikely to allow Issa Diop to leave until they know the severity of Aguerd’s injury.”
Smart move from the club?
West Ham being cautious over the Diop move is a smart decision from the club, and helps protect their defense ahead of the start of the new season.
Aguerd joined the club from Stade Rennes earlier in the widow for a £30m fee, and signed a five-year deal at the club.
However, the Morrocan defender suffered an ankle injury after 23 minutes against Rangers and had to be helped off the field, casting serious doubt on his fitness ahead of the season.
The extent of his injury is yet to be confirmed, but the injury did look serious and David Moyes admitted there is a possibility of ligament damage.
Diop, who is in the middle of negotiations with Fulham, could now be kept as defensive cover, with the club trying to avoid the possibility of entering the new season light in the centre-back position,
Only until West Ham conduct scans on Aguerd and the full extent of his ankle injury is revealed will we then know what the club’s plan for Diop is.