When Nayef Aguerd moved on loan to Real Sociedad, the local media went to great lengths to explain why the Basque club hadn’t secured a purchase option with West Ham United.
The stance was that Real Sociedad had a couple of prominent youngsters coming through and agreeing a purchase option for the defender would have sent out the wrong message to those players and the people around them.
That was quickly regretted as Aguerd put in a string of excellent performances and became one of Real Sociedad’s best players. Indeed, it’s no exaggeration to say that for a period, the 29-year-old was one of the best defenders in La Liga.
He then faced some injury issues and that impacted the second half of his season. According to a recent report from Spain, Real Sociedad have decided against any attempt to keep him, because of those fitness problems. That felt a little over the top given how good Aguerd had been for them before that.
Now there’s a claim completely contradicting that.
AS report Real Sociedad are actually ‘fighting’ to get Aguerd back from West Ham. Competition from Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille is mentioned, and La Real know it will be difficult.
Given the widespread interest, the clubs involved, and Aguerd’s performances, it’s a surprise if the Hammers aren’t considering keeping him.