“West Ham searching for the best replacement before Friday” – 2 big teams now want West Ham star player. Bids have been submitted, and West Ham is considering which one to accept.

West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd is set to leave the club this summer, following a disappointing spell in East London. The Moroccan international has been linked with moves to FC Porto and Villarreal, who are emerging as the frontrunners for his signature. Aguerd, who has been frustrated by his lack of playing time at West Ham, is eager to find a new club before the transfer window closes.

Aguerd’s Struggles at West Ham

Nayef Aguerd joined West Ham United in the summer of 2022 for a substantial fee of €35 million from French side Rennes. The 28-year-old was expected to strengthen West Ham’s defense, bringing experience and solidity to the backline. However, his time in the Premier League has not gone as planned. Aguerd has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting lineup, often finding himself on the bench. His limited playing time has led to frustration, prompting him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Interest from Porto and Villarreal

Aguerd’s desire to leave West Ham has attracted the attention of several clubs, with FC Porto and Villarreal leading the race for his signature. Both clubs are looking to bolster their defensive options, and Aguerd’s experience at the international level makes him an appealing target. According to reports from Foot Mercato, Porto and Villarreal have identified Aguerd as a top priority in their defensive rebuilds.

Porto is in dire need of defensive reinforcements after selling David Carmo to Nottingham Forest and witnessing the retirement of veteran defender Pepe this summer. The Portuguese club is keen to fill the void left by these departures and sees Aguerd as a suitable replacement. Meanwhile, Villarreal faces its own defensive challenges, with captain Raul Albiol nearing the end of his career at 38 and his defensive partner Eric Bailly struggling with injuries. The Spanish club is looking to refresh its defensive options and believes Aguerd could provide the stability they need.

Other Interested Parties

In addition to Porto and Villarreal, Ligue 1 clubs have shown interest in Aguerd. However, their reluctance to meet his wage demands has stalled any potential moves. Atletico Madrid also monitored Aguerd’s situation but did not make a concrete offer, choosing to focus on other targets instead.

Aguerd has also attracted interest from outside Europe. Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad has reportedly expressed an interest in signing the Moroccan defender. While there have been no concrete developments from the Saudi side, their financial power makes them a potential suitor. A move to Saudi Arabia could be financially lucrative for both West Ham and Aguerd, especially if the club is looking to recoup a significant portion of the €35 million they spent to acquire him.

The Urgency of a Move

With the transfer window closing soon, the urgency to finalize a deal for Aguerd is intensifying. Both Porto and Villarreal are keen to secure his signature before the deadline, recognizing the value he could add to their squads. West Ham is also eager to resolve Aguerd’s future as they plan their defensive strategy for the upcoming season. The Hammers understand the importance of having a settled squad and are looking to finalize any outgoing transfers quickly.

Potential Replacements for Aguerd

Should Aguerd leave, West Ham will need to find a replacement to maintain defensive stability. The club has already seen changes in its defensive lineup, with Angelo Ogbonna departing and Kurt Zouma potentially on the way out. Currently, Konstantinos Mavropanos is available to cover for new signings Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman. However, relying solely on these options might not be ideal for a club competing in the Premier League and European competitions.

To address this, West Ham is considering bringing in another defender. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has emerged as a possible option. The young center-back has shown promise at Chelsea but could be available if the Blues set a reasonable asking price. Chalobah’s versatility and Premier League experience could make him a valuable addition to the Hammers’ squad.

Conclusion

Nayef Aguerd’s time at West Ham United appears to be coming to an end, with FC Porto and Villarreal leading the race to sign the Moroccan defender. Aguerd’s lack of playing time and desire for a fresh start has driven him to seek a move away from East London. As the transfer deadline approaches, Porto and Villarreal are working to finalize a deal that would see Aguerd bolster their defensive ranks.

West Ham, meanwhile, must prepare for life without Aguerd and consider their options for a replacement. The club’s defensive situation is evolving, and finding the right balance will be crucial to their success this season. Whether it’s pursuing a player like Trevoh Chalobah or exploring other options, West Ham will need to act swiftly to ensure they remain competitive on all fronts.

As the transfer window nears its close, the coming days will be pivotal for Aguerd, West Ham, and the clubs vying for his signature. All parties will be keen to finalize their plans and make the necessary moves to strengthen their squads for the challenges ahead.