West Ham United transfer news as Nayef Aguerd stance shared amid Saudi Arabia interest
Nayef Aguerd has turned down the chance to move to Saudi Arabia, rather than West Ham blocking his exit, according to Santi Aouna.
GOAL SA shared via Twitter on Monday [4 September] that Aguerd has been offered £8.55million per year in wages to join an unnamed Saudi side.
It was also added that West Ham are unwilling the let the defender depart this week as they are no longer able to sign a replacement.
However, Foot Mercato journalist Aouna claimed on Twitter on Monday [4 September] that it was Aguerd himself who turned down the proposal.
Responding to a tweet that suggested Aguerd was close to joining Al-Ittihad, Aouna said: “It was Nayef Aguerd who refused to go to [Saudi Arabia] and not the other way around.”
Almighty blow
Regardless of this latest update, you can be sure this is not the end we have heard of speculation linking key man Aguerd with the London Stadium exit.
This was always going to be an issue with the Saudi transfer window staying open until Thursday [7 September], while Turkish clubs can conduct business for an additional week.
Assuming a ridiculous amount of money is not offered to West Ham, then it is a no-brainer to reject any offers from Al-Ittihad or any other teams that come calling.
If the reports of Aguerd being offered up to 10 times his current salary are true, then you cannot blame the Moroccan for potentially having his head turned.
Thankfully, though, that does not appear to be the case.
As a regular in the heart of United’s defence, losing Aguerd at any stage, never mind with the transfer window for Premier League clubs closed, would be an almighty blow for David Moyes.
Let’s just hope Aguerd has indeed said no to the mega-money offer and stays loyal to the Hammers, even if only until the new year when the situation can be re-evaluated.
In other West Ham news, vice-chair Karren Brady has hit out at “vile” chants she heard in the Luton Town match.