West Ham progress interest in former target Aguerd, in bid to solve problems encountered this season
West Ham United are reportedly back in for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, as he could solve the problems that the club faced this season.
The Hammers bolstered their defence last summer, adding Craig Dawson from Watford, and Kurt Zouma from Chelsea. Those additions helped their depth, after the east Londoners saw the back of Winston Reid and Fabian Balbuena.
Another potential defensive reinforcement was Rennes centre-back Aguerd. The Morocco international has performed consistently in Ligue 1 over the past couple of seasons.
In his first term with Rennes, the centre-back played 35 league games, scoring three goals and assisting one, as the side finished sixth in Ligue 1. He also played in the four Champions League games he was available for, including a 90-minute outing against Chelsea.
The defensive capabilities that he showed in his first Ligue 1 season presented Aguerd as a top defender. However, when West Ham approached Rennes, they were rebuffed.
This season, Aguerd made 31 league appearances, as Rennes improved upon their previous campaign, finishing fourth. He managed two goals and three assists from the defence.
It was recently reported that the Hammers were once again keen on the 26-year-old, given his continued good form.
A report from L’Equipe claims a move to West Ham could be on the cards, as he could potentially leave Rennes.
The report mentions how Aguerd, ‘won over’ David Moyes following some fine performances. As such, there is a possibility that Aguerd does make the move.
The Moroccan is under contract until 2025, following a renewal last summer. With that being said, Moyes’ side may have to fork out a decent sum to lure Aguerd from the grasp of Rennes.
Aguerd could solve Hammers problems
The signing of Aguerd could solve a clear problem that West Ham had this season. While they have four senior centre-backs in the squad, that was not the case for much of the season.
Both Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna sustained injuries during the season. Suspensions aligning with those injuries made matters worse.
Should the Hammers sign Aguerd, though, not only would they be bringing in a capable defender, but they would also be adding to the depth at the back.
With West Ham having finished in seventh in the league, they face a two-legged play-off to secure a place in the Europa Conference League.
Should they then qualify for Europe, they will face a schedule as packed as the recently-concluded season, and being able to rotate players in each competition will be key for success.
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