West Ham United insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that the Hammers have an interest in signing Stade Rennais defender Nayef Aguerd this summer.
What's the word?
Speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex stated: “One centre-back we are keen on is Nayef Aguerd – a Moroccan defender that plays in France for Rennes.
“He’s won the African Nations Cup, he’s over 6 foot 3, which is often a criteria that David Moyes looks for in his centre-backs, he wants them to be of a certain height. He’s definitely a target.”
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The Hammers will almost certainly be looking to bolster their defensive options this summer having fallen victim to numerous injuries at the back whilst having to replace potential departures.
West Ham should sign Aguerd
The 26-year-old has made 39 appearances across all competitions for the French outfit this term who sit fourth in Ligue 1, whilst also competing at AFCON with Morocco.
Having signed from FC Dijon in 2020, the Moroccan has only been at Rennes for two seasons but has made a serious impression this term under Bruno Genesio.
Despite being a centre-back, Aguerd's average heatmap for the season suggests that he likes to get relatively high up the pitch whilst, at times, hugging the left flank.
Moreover, the 26-year-old has averaged a whopping 80.8 touches a match in Ligue 1 this season whilst completing 63 passes at an accuracy of 89%.
Moreover, in 30 league appearances, the centre-back has kept ten clean sheets whilst averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and four clearances a match.
With current Hammers defender Issa Diop in line for a possible move to Lyon, a vacancy will need to be filled if the Frenchman departs, and Aguerd would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the 25-year-old.
Compared to the Rennes star, Diop averages almost half the touches at 44.5 whilst completing less than half of his passes at 61.2 at a lower accuracy of 85%.
At the back, the Frenchman has averaged fewer tackles, interceptions and clearances a match with 0.8, 0.5 and 3.2 respectively.
West Ham need to add a centre-back to their ranks and Aguerd appears to be a decent option and a player that Moyes would definitely love.