West Ham £30m star wanted by Wolves, Atletico Madrid and three other clubs in Deadline Day scramble
West Ham could look to drive a lucrative Deadline Day bidding war over centre-back Nayef Aguerd with the 28-year-old wanted by at least four clubs on the continent in the final hours of the transfer window.
That’s according to a report from Spain, which suggests a potential bidding way for the defender, who still has three years on his deal at the London Stadium. Aguerd joined the Hammers in 2022 from Rennes for £30 million.
West Ham have been focused on incomings this summer with Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka strengthening the defence from Wolves and Manchester United respectively but there has been talk of Aguerd leaving the club too.
Spanish outlet Cadena SER is reporting that Villarreal view the Morocco international as a priority defensive acquisition. The club have already signed Willy Kwambala and Logan Costa this summer but the side has still been porous so far this season with six goals conceded in three league outings.
However, the report adds that Villarreal will not have an easy task of signing Aguerd with no shortage of suitors. Atletico Madrid are named as another interested party from Spain, alongside Real Sociedad, while Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia are also looking at a move for the defender. There are even ‘various clubs’ in Ligue 1 of France said to be aware of a potential deal for Aguerd.
The Spanish outlet doesn’t even mention The Guardian claims that Premier League outfit Wolves could also swoop for the player as Gary O’Neil oversees a late flurry of transfer activity in the Midlands.
When signing for West Ham in 2022, former manager David Moyes said: “I am delighted to welcome Nayef to West Ham United. We have tracked his progress for some time and I’m very pleased that we have been able to complete the signing. He’s a great addition that will add to our defensive options.
“I have been really impressed with Nayef’s character and attitude during our discussions. He has a great desire to improve and be successful, and I am sure he will fit in very well to the environment we have at Rush Green.”
Aguerd has gone on to make 58 appearances for West Ham but missed parts of last season with fitness and injury problems. During his debut campaign, Moyes hailed his ‘stylish’ showings in defence.
