West Ham United and manager Graham Potter have made a decision on in-form defender Nayef Aguerd and his future at the London Stadium, amid interest from both Man United and Real Madrid in the Moroccan's signature.
Nayef Aguerd impressing for Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham
Ex-West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui gave the green-light for Aguerd to make a temporary move to La Liga side Real Sociedad last summer, with the 28-year-old impressing in response.
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Graham Potter's side are believed to be contenders.
Barring the odd spell out through injury, Aguerd has been a mainstay for Sociedad, with Imanol Alguacil starting the African on 19 different occasions in La Liga. According to WhoScored, Aguerd even stands out as their best-performing player by average match rating per 90, with the former Rennes star also making more clearances per game than any of his Sociedad teammates in that time.
West Ham's next five Premier League fixtures Date
Newcastle United (home) March 10th
Everton (away) March 15th
Wolves (away) April 1st
Bournemouth (home) April 5th
Liverpool (away) April 13th
Alguacil was key in convincing Aguerd to swap east London for the Spanish top flight, and the player hasn't looked back since as many West Ham supporters wonder if he could come back and do a job under Potter next season.
"I came to Real because of the conversation I had with Imanol (Alguacil, coach)," said Aguerd on joining Sociedad. "For me, as a footballer, the coach's trust is very important and Imanol's call changed everything. I saw that he was willing to help me, I thought that I could also help the team, and I was clear about that."
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His performances have been so convincing that both Real and United have been credited with a serious interest in recent weeks. Spanish media have reported that Real Madrid are targeting Aguerd ahead of this summer, while it is believed United think West Ham's defender is perfect for Ruben Amorim.
West Ham make Nayef Aguerd decision ahead of next season
Now, Claret & Hugh writer Sean Whetstone has shared an update from a senior London Stadium source on the central defender's future. It is claimed that Potter is planning to reintegrate Aguerd next season, and West Ham would reject any offers for the player this summer.
"Nayef Aguerd is in Graham Potter's plans next season and West Ham would reject any offers for him this summer," said Whetstone, via X.
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"Aguerd is currently on a season-long loan at Real Sociedad, who face Manchester United tonight in the Europa League. The defender has been excellent in La Liga this season after being deemed surplus to requirements by former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui."
Whetstone also reiterates what a behind-the-scenes informant told him in regard to how Potter feels about Aguerd as a player, with the club source stating:
"We want Nayef Aguerd back playing for West Ham now that we are using three centre-backs. Our new manager rates him."
The former Dijon ace with 53 international caps now looks set to be a pivotal asset for West Ham during Potter's first full season in charge.