Sources: West Ham expect £30m bid for first-XI star they want to sell

West Ham United are anticipating bids in excess of £30 million for defender Nayef Aguerd from Saudi Arabian clubs, sources have revealed to Football Insider. The Hammers are willing to let the Moroccan international leave after signing Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers and are holding out for their £35 million valuation.

Aguerd, 28, has been the subject of interest from the Middle East and French clubs Rennes, Lens, and Lyon. However, West Ham are keen to sell to a Saudi Pro League club, with the overhaul of the league’s structure leading to a late surge in transfer activity.The defender signed a five-year contract in 2022, but West Ham are now looking to cash in after just two years.

Aguerd has made 58 appearances for the club, but struggled with injuries last season, playing just 28 times across all competitions.West Ham’s decision to sell Aguerd is part of a larger overhaul of their defense under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The signing of Kilman has paved the way for further exits, with the club looking to reinvest the £35 million from Aguerd’s sale in their first-team squad.Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has called for a widescale refresh of the defense, and the sale of Aguerd would be a significant step in that direction.

The Hammers are expected to remain firm on their £35 million asking price, with interest from Saudi Arabia first emerging last summer.West Ham have joined Everton in the race to sign a Serie A star, and the sale of Aguerd would provide a significant boost to their transfer budget. The club are looking to strengthen their squad under Lopetegui, and the departure of Aguerd would be a key part of that process.

In conclusion, West Ham United are expecting bids in excess of £30 million for Nayef Aguerd from Saudi Arabian clubs, with the club willing to sell the defender for their £35 million valuation. The sale would be a significant step in the overhaul of the club’s defense under Julen Lopetegui, with the funds reinvested in the first-team squad.