Sunderland to table major West Ham bid in push to end Nayef Aguerd race now
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Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Wed 27 August 2025 18:17, UK
Regis Le Bris is looking to West Ham for a new centre-back as Sunderland attempt to secure safety in the Premier League this season.
After winning promotion from the Championship last term, the Black Cats have spent an eye-watering amount of money on high-profile transfers, including Habib Diarra, Nordi Mukiele, and Granit Xhaka.
Football Insider understands, however, that Sunderland are unlikely to pursue Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu, with the forward line more than stacked ahead of the transfer window closing.
While it has only been two matches of the new Premier League season, Le Bris’ side are sitting seventh in the table, but the club’s transfer business does not appear to be done quite yet.
Nayef Aguerd, who spent the 2024/25 campaign away from the London Stadium, appears to have settled back into life with the Hammers, having originally been chased out by Julen Lopetegui.
Credit: Imago
According to Foot Mercato (27 August), while Marseille, Roma, and AC Milan are all interested, the Black Cats now intend to convince the defender to join the club’s ambitious project this summer.
It is understood that the newly promoted team want to submit a “significant” bid for his services, though it remains to be seen if this will be enough to entice the player and club into a deal before 1 September.
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Graham Potter appears to be utilising a back-three at the London Stadium this summer, but with eight goals conceded in two league games, the tactic clearly needs some tweaking.
That being said, the Morocco international has come back into the fold this season due to the change in formation, and that might make it all the more difficult for the Black Cats to make a deal happen.
With Mukiele joined by Omar Alderete, Reinildo, and Arthur Masuaku all signed in defence, the unit has been considerably strengthened, but Dan Ballard’s new injury is a major worry.
Credit: Imago
The Championship play-off hero pulled up during the 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday, 23 August, and Jenson Seelt, 22, was unable to put up a confident performance in his place.
Furthermore, the young Dutchman is being linked with a loan move away, with supporters feeling he needs more experience before making it at the Stadium of Light, understandably.
With over 60 appearances for the Irons and another 50 caps for Morocco, Aguerd would be bringing a wealth of experience with him, and it is difficult to put a price on that this summer.