West Ham have confirmed the signing of Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd from Rennes on a five-year deal.
As reported by 90min in May, Aguerd had been identified as a primary target for the Hammers this window and the club managed to fend off interest from Newcastle to get this one over the line for a fee which could exceed £30m after add-ons.
“I was really excited when I heard about West Ham United’s interest,” said Aguerd. “When I heard about it, I knew I needed to go to the Premier League, because it’s a dream for every player.
“West Ham is a historic Club. I saw a few of their games this year, and I saw the fans and the atmosphere were fantastic, with the bubbles!
“I talked with the manager and he showed me that he was very interested, so it was easy to choose to come to West Ham.”
Manager David Moyes added: “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.”
26-year-old Aguerd is a left-sided centre-back, a position that West Ham were weakened in by injuries towards the end of the season, and enjoyed a hugely impressive two years with Rennes, making 80 appearances in all competitions and chipping in with seven goals and four assists.
With their first deal of the summer complete, the Hammers will now look to push on with strengthening other areas of Moyes’ squad.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola – who spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at the London Stadium – is one target, while they are also exploring deals for Jesse Lingard and Josh Brownhill.
