Following Martin’s article on [Claret and Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-hams-aguerd-upgrade-could-be-deadline-day-steal/) yesterday, a number of reports this morning are indicating that Nayef Aguerd is on the verge of joining Marseille, with the Moroccan international having reached a preliminary agreement with the Ligue 1 side.
Talks with West Ham are now in their final stages, as Marseille push to finalise the deal before the window closes.
Sporting Director Medhi Benatia has been instrumental in luring Aguerd to the Stade Vélodrome, leveraging his influence to sway the defender’s decision. Aguerd’s refusal to travel to the City Ground on Sunday only intensified the situation, with manager Graham Potter now content to see the back of a player who has divided opinion within the squad.
Aguerd’s track record hasn’t helped his case—last summer, he reportedly scuppered multiple transfer opportunities, leaving West Ham with no choice but to sanction a loan to Real Sociedad, while still covering the bulk of his wages.
Despite the pressure to offload him, West Ham’s board is standing firm, with a [deal agreed reportedly in the region of €23m.](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/marseille-reach-agreement-with-west-ham-for-nayef-aguerd/) With twenty two months left on his contract, they’re determined not to repeat past mistakes—like selling Dimitri Payet to Marseille below market value or letting Emerson leave for just €1 million. Negotiations are expected to go down to the wire, but Aguerd is already preparing for a pre-medical ahead of the anticipated move.
Should the transfer go through, West Ham are likely to target Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, though they recognise a deal will be difficult to complete before the 7pm deadline. Another name mentioned, is a Will Salthouse client, Southampton centre-back, Taylor Harwood-Bellis.