Nearing The Exit” | Hammers Defender Attracting Interest
The news is only just beginning to emerge, at the same time as reports that rival French clubs are beginning to show interest in the Moroccan centre-back.
Aguerd was offered to Nice as part of a swap deal, which would have involved him going to the French club in addition to a transfer fee, with Jean-Clair Todibo moving in the other direction.
French media outlets are reporting that Nice was initially receptive to the swap deal; however, they were unable to match Aguerd’s wages, which is why West Ham changed the structure of the transfer. However, the £30m central defender, who was signed from Ligue 1, is believed to have interested other French clubs.
The whole transfer saga surrounding Aguerd is a little strange. He was rumoured to be frustrated under the management of David Moyes, yet seems unwilling to persevere with his West Ham career despite Julen Lopetegui now taking charge.
The 28-year-old would appear to be perfectly suited to the Spaniard’s playing style requirements but appears to want a transfer only on his terms. I suspect Aguerd is holding out for a mega-money move to a Saudi Pro League club; nonetheless, he also needs to be realistic.
If he is to leave the London Stadium and France is to be his only viable option, then he may well find that he has to take a pay cut; if not, the plan needs to be to knuckle down and show everyone at West Ham why he cost £30m.