**West Ham United are facing a serious fight to keep Nayef Aguerd at the London Stadium, with Sunderland pushing to land his signature.**
According to [Foot Mercato](https://www.footmercato.net/a3283019669036019571-sunderland-revient-a-la-charge-pour-nayef-aguerd), the Black Cats have made Aguerd a priority target as they look to further strengthen their rearguard this summer.
Manager Graham Potter is already working with a thin squad, even though the Hammers have made only a handful of additions this summer.
They have brought in El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson, and Mads Hermansen, while Jean-Clair Todibo has made his initial loan move permanent.
However, West Ham could still do with more reinforcements, especially after their disastrous start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The Hammers have conceded eight goals in their opening two Premier League games, losing 3-0 away to Sunderland and 5-1 against Chelsea at the London Stadium.
They’ve also been knocked out of the EFL Cup in the second round by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Each of those three games have exposed the gaps in Potter’s squad that needs to be plugged before the transfer window closes.
Midfield has been prioritised, but West Ham can’t afford to weaken their squad any further.
West Ham cannot afford to part ways with Aguerd this close to the transfer deadline unless they already have a replacement lined up.
The Moroccan has started each of West Ham’s opening two games, but didn’t exactly cover himself in glory in either of those fixtures.
However, he remains a key part of Potter’s plans, and any last-minute exit would be a huge blow.
[Sunderland are willing to pull out all the stops](https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/sunderland-interested-in-signing-west-ham-defender-nayef-aguerd/) to bring Aguerd to the Stadium of Light.
They’re reportedly preparing a ‘significant financial offer’ to tempt Aguerd away from the London Stadium and are also hoping West Ham would be willing to do business.
Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Aguerd since he joined from Stade Rennais back in 2022.
A potential exit will force West Ham to enter the market for a new centre-back, and the pressure could see them make a panic purchase.