One of the stranger West Ham transfer stories to break yesterday was that of defender Nayef Aguerd.
The Moroccan international, who has returned to the London Stadium after a season-long loan at Real Sociedad, has been a mainstay of the Hammers’ fragile defence during this horrendous start to the season.
Aguerd hardly covered himself in glory on Tuesday night either, showing little urgency when failing to react to the rebound from Wolves’ penalty in the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat.
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So it came as a real surprise to see him described as a priority signing for another Premier League club. And it was even more unbelievable when the club in question was revealed as… Sunderland. Yes, the very same Black Cats who smashed three goals past a hapless West Ham defence containing Aguerd on the opening day.
For the record, these rumours have not been confirmed by Claret & Hugh’s top transfer source. In fact, the suggestion feels faintly absurd. But when we checked late last night for an update, we were cryptically told:
“Can’t talk now, trying to finish this deal.”
Which deal that referred to remains a mystery to me and may well have nothing to do with West Ham. But if it did involve Aguerd moving to Sunderland, I’d be gobsmacked.
One thing’s for sure—Potter’s team (or whoever inherits it) are in desperate need of a no-nonsense defender, preferably one with genuine leadership qualities. Aguerd, on current form, hardly fits the bill.