“Double Exit looming”- Tim Steidten confirms talks are currently ongoing to sell £30m-rated West Ham player
West Ham United is currently engaged in discussions with several clubs regarding the potential sale of Nayef Aguerd as the transfer window nears its end, according to a recent report from TBR Football. As detailed on August 13, Tim Steidten, the club’s sporting director, is actively negotiating with multiple interested parties in an effort to offload the Moroccan centre-back before the window closes.
Aguerd, who has been with West Ham for two seasons since his arrival, has reportedly expressed a strong desire to leave the club this summer. TEAMtalk reported on July 20 that the Hammers are keen to recoup the £30 million they invested in him, reflecting their intent to maximize their return on the player. The situation is further complicated by West Ham’s concurrent efforts to offload Kurt Zouma, another central defender, in a bid to manage their wage structure. Zouma’s proposed transfer to Shabab Al-Ahli, however, has hit a snag due to a failed medical examination, as reported by The Times on August 12.
The ongoing managerial transition at West Ham has prompted a significant overhaul of the squad, particularly in defense. Under new management, a shake-up was anticipated, and indeed, the defense, which had become a surprising weak link during David Moyes’ final season at the helm, is now undergoing substantial changes. Steidten has been proactive in addressing these concerns by signing Max Kilman, a defender previously favored by Julen Lopetegui at Wolves. Additionally, Steidten swooped in to secure Jean-Clair Todibo, who had been on the verge of joining Juventus. These additions suggest a new defensive partnership is likely to be established at the London Stadium for the upcoming season.
Despite these positive moves, Steidten’s ambitious revamp of the squad has come at a significant financial cost. To balance the books and sustain the investment in new players, the sale of Aguerd could prove crucial. While Zouma and high-earning striker Danny Ings are also potential candidates for departure, their exits might not necessarily bring in a transfer fee. Instead, they could be released to relieve the wage bill, which remains a pressing issue for the club.
The fact that multiple clubs are currently in discussions with Steidten over Aguerd’s transfer could potentially enhance West Ham’s prospects of securing a substantial fee. However, given the circumstances, achieving a full return on their original £30 million investment may prove challenging. The club remains focused on leveraging these negotiations to ensure they can secure the best possible deal before the transfer window closes, thus facilitating their ongoing squad restructuring efforts and financial strategy.
