West Ham have accomplished the signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.
The Moroccan defender has signed a five-year contract with David Moyes’ Hammers, in a deal that may value the east Londoners round £30m, together with add-ons.
Aguerd is Moyes’ first foray into the switch window, as West Ham plan to enhance their squad forward of a season that may see them mix Premier League enchancment with a primary Europa Convention League marketing campaign.
“I used to be actually excited after I heard about West Ham United’s curiosity,” mentioned Aguerd. “Once I heard about it, I knew I wanted to go to the Premier League, as a result of it is a dream for each participant.
“West Ham is a historic membership. I noticed just a few of their video games this yr, and I noticed the followers and the environment had been improbable, with the bubbles! I talked with the supervisor and he confirmed me that he was very , so it was straightforward to decide on to return to West Ham.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Nayef to West Ham United,” Moyes added. “We’ve tracked his progress for a while and I am very happy that we have now been in a position to full the signing. He is an important addition that may add to our defensive choices.
“I’ve been actually impressed with Nayef’s character and angle throughout our discussions. He has an important need to enhance and achieve success, and I’m certain he’ll slot in very nicely to the surroundings we have now at Rush Inexperienced.”
The 26-year-old arrived in London final week to finish his medical. One supply advised Sky Sports activities Information that Newcastle additionally registered an curiosity in Aguerd, although the Magpies are additionally eager on Lille’s Sven Botman.
Aguerd taking part in within the Champions League for Rennes in opposition to Chelsea
West Ham proceed to work on a deal for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who was on mortgage on the Hammers final season. They’re anticipated to set off the choice to purchase clause – believed to be set at £11m – they’ve to purchase Areola as soon as private phrases are finalised.
It’s thought two different golf equipment have proven an curiosity in Areola, however West Ham stay hopeful of getting a deal finished.
‘Aguerd a improbable signing’
French soccer knowledgeable Julien Laurens talking on Sky Sports activities’ Switch Speak podcast:
“I believe it is an important signing as a result of he is left-footed however it’s not simply that, it is a candy left foot. He has an excellent technical skill for a centre-back which is kind of uncommon.
“He is tall, fast and reads the sport nicely and is a menace at set items. He is scored targets on set items offensively and we all know how good West Ham are at set items. He will be one other weapon in that armour on high of all of the others. It does not matter whether or not he performs with Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma or in a again three as Angelo Ogbonna who’s again from harm as nicely. He is younger too. He is a improbable signing.
“He’ll go to the World Cup, in order a primary season in England when you could adapt, leaving for six weeks and coming again on Boxing Day could also be a bit tough. He is a extremely proficient boy and well mannered too. He is bought his toes on the bottom, I could not communicate extra extremely of him.”
Which different positions are West Ham focusing on?
Sky Sports activities Information’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
David Moyes shall be given cash to spend to hold on strengthening his squad, with Mark Noble, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks and David Martin all leaving on the finish of their contracts.
One of many sagas of the summer time would be the way forward for Declan Rice. West Ham have made it clear they won’t promote him this summer time however you’ll assume they’d discover it tough to show down a proposal within the area of £100m. Rice has two years left on his contract however West Ham have the choice of extending it by one other yr to the summer time of 2025.
In addition to defender Nayef Aguerd, they’re additionally thinking about Hull Metropolis ahead Keane Lewis-Potter. Talks have additionally been held about signing Jesse Lingard when his Manchester United contract runs out this month.
West Ham fixtures
West Ham kick off the 2022/23 Premier League season with champions Manchester Metropolis visiting the London Stadium, stay on Sky Sports activities.
David Moyes’ facet drew the corresponding fixture 2-2 within the run-in to the 2021/22 season, briefly giving Liverpool hope within the race for the title after they took a 2-0 lead.
West Ham, who finally completed seventh and certified for the Europa Convention League, observe Metropolis with a visit to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest earlier than Brighton, who they’ve by no means overwhelmed within the Premier League, go to the London Stadium.
The Hammers face Leicester at house on November 12 earlier than the 2022/23 season breaks for the World Cup in Qatar and so they return to Premier League motion on Boxing Day on the Emirates in opposition to Arsenal.
West Ham’s last house sport of the season is in opposition to Leeds on Could 20 earlier than their marketing campaign closes at Leicester Metropolis on Could 28.
Moyes will discover out who his facet will face within the Europa Convention League play-off spherical (fixtures performed on August 18 and 25), when the draw takes place on Tuesday, August 2.
