According to Football Insider, Premier League giants Liverpool are interested in West Ham United centre-back Nayef Aguerd. But he will not come cheap, with the Hammers demanding a premium to part ways with him.
The 27-year-old moved to the East London last summer in a deal worth £30 million and endured early injury concerns before becoming a regular fixture in David Moyes’s matchday squads. A left-footed centre-back, he is a rare breed in the modern game and could hand Jurgen Klopp a new weapon as he rebuilds his Reds’ roster.
The player was also attracting attention from Al-Ittihad. But the Hammers are unwilling to listen to offers now that the English transfer window has slammed shut. Aguerd’s contract at the London Stadium runs until 2027, handing the English club enough leeway when it comes to negotiations.
West Ham paid Stade Rennais £30 million for his services in 2022. And given that his stature has since risen to being a mainstay, it is fair to assume they will want much more in order to part ways with the Moroccan ace.
West Ham made history last season, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and securing themselves a spot in this season’s Europa League proper. It was a cheerful end to what was until then a poor campaign where they flirted with relegation from the Premier League.
Despite being a side on the up, Aguerd can only achieve so little in West Ham colours and will need to make a move to take his game to the next level. While Manchester City are also keen, Liverpool are the ones who desperately need a new central defender and can provide Aguerd playing time off the bat.
Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger, while Joel Matip is surely on his last legs. Ibrahima Konate is the future, but his injury concerns necessitates the need to bring in another option. Liverpool have in recent times played with a back three.
Andrew Robertson is a fine full-back but does not carry the same weight when it comes to playing as the left-side centre-back. Aguerd, meanwhile, could slot in well and make use of his excellent passing to carry the ball forward and link up with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister. At 27, the West Ham star is in his prime and ready to prove himself. Whether the Reds can cough up what the Hammers are demanding should make the difference.
