Another day, and another door closes for a West Ham United player who hasn’t even touched a Premier League pitch in 15 months.
While talks between Mohammed Kudus and Tottenham Hotspur are advancing – Chelsea are planning an assault of their own on the former Ajax star – discussions regarding another player destined to leave the London Stadium appear to have ground to something of a halt.
It is no secret that Nayef Aguerd wants to leave West Ham United. And, make no mistake, the club will not stand in his way either.
While Graham Potter initially hoped to reintegrate Aguerd at the London Stadium, a desire to raise funds for new signings, coupled with the Moroccan’s belief that a clean break is required, means both parties are on the same page heading into the final two-thirds of the summer window.
The problem is, with Real Sociedad joining Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Roma in taking their interest elsewhere, potential landing spots are decreasing by the week.
Real Sociedad say goodbye to West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd
Bayer Leverkusen turned to Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah. Rumoured interest from Atletico Madrid has come to nothing.
Roma have cooled their interest in Nayef Aguerd, too; the man leading the discussions, director Florent Ghisolfi, on his way to Sunderland.
In the meantime, Real Sociedad agreed terms with Igor Julio at Brighton and Hove Albion. If that appeared to slam down the shutters on Aguerd’s chances of a return to San Sebastian, the door is now officially locked as La Real said goodbye to a defender who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Anoeta.
Via their official X account, Real Sociedad bid a fond farewell to Aguerd while drawing a line under any lingering suggestions that he could return to the Txuri Udin on a permanent basis.
Aguerd admits Real Sociedad spell was ‘very special’ for him
There was no option to buy clause in Aguerd’s Real Sociedad contract anyway.
Hammers News understands that West Ham hope to recoup around £17 million of that £30 million investment.
Via his own social media channels, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist bid an emotional farewell to a club with whom he made 36 appearances – 11 coming in the Europa League – before an injury prematurely ended his time in the Basque country.
“A chapter closes for me at Real Sociedad,” Aguerd writes. “It has been a very special period that I will never forget. This club has left a profound mark on me, both professionally and personally. I experienced many emotional moments.
“From day one, I was welcomed with respect, warmth, and affection. Not only by the fans but also by everyone at the club, the coaching staff, and my teammates.
“Although it was not a stage for growth as a player, it was a crucial and important chapter that has given me a lot and that I will always carry with me. I wish the club the greatest success in the upcoming season and beyond. I will continue supporting and following Real Sociedad, as this place has left a very deep impression on me.
“Eskerrik asko.”
Or, ‘thank you’, if you will.
Currently, the most likely solution to the Aguerd saga appears to be coming from Juventus.
West Ham will not sign Daniele Rugani in exchange – the 30-year-old Italy international is a little older than the sort of player the Hammers are targeting these days – but Juventus coach Igor Tudor left the door open for Aguerd when asked about the Moroccan towards the end of June.
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