As per Claret & Hugh, the recuperation of Nayef Aguerd from his sickness in time to accompany Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations is reported to have “caused concern among backroom staff” at West Ham.
The defender’s absence, which came “allegedly after a long period of sickness,” together with his form and fitness swings, “focused minds,” according to the Hammers-focused media on their website on January 5. The club is now prepared to let him go if they can get their money back for him.
Following his three straight absences from games against Manchester United, Arsenal, and Brighton before leaving for international duty, West Ham is now willing to let go of Rennes, for which the club paid £30 million two summers ago [BBC Sport].
Even yet, a club source told C&H, “We wouldn’t mind some over the top Saudi offers for some of our players,” expressing hope that the repeatedly reported links to Saudi Arabian clubs will eventually come to pass.
Short visit
West Ham might as well give it some thought if a team was prepared to pay a high price to sign Aguerd, even though it might just have been a coincidence that he recovered in time for the AFCON.
David Moyes is still looking to improve at center defense, and although the 27-year-old hasn’t exactly struggled at the London Stadium, his inconsistent play may indicate that a better player might be found for the same amount of money.
The Irons would have to make sure, though, that they aren’t taking on more work in the transfer market than they can handle, as an addition is already planned due to Kurt Zouma’s knees and Thilo Kehrer’s definite departure to Monaco.
Aguerd was reportedly “very happy” with the club, according to Fabrizio Romano on September 6, but there were rumors of his departure during the summer transfer window that never materialized.
The Moroccan went on to start 16 of 20 Premier League games and four of six in the Europa League, demonstrating to Moyes and his team that they had no doubts about his dedication at that point.
He may not spend long in East London, though, if transfer rumors continue to swirl and the team thinks they can find a better option while making a sizable profit from selling him.
