West Ham confirm first summer signing for club record defender fee | OneFootball

West Ham have officially announced the signing of defender Nayef Aguerd from Ligue 1 side Rennes, who becomes the club’s first summer signing.

He has signed a five-year deal with the club and will wear the number 27 shirt.

The Moroccan international joins for a reported fee of £30m, making him the second most expensive signing in the club’s history and the most expensive defender, costing slightly more than Kurt Zouma.

Aguerd had played in France since joining Dijon back in 2018 and made 66 appearances for Rennes since joining the club in 2020. The centre-back had already said goodbye to the club’s fans in a social media post, having admitted it was a “difficult decision” to leave club and that he’d spent “exceptional times” there.

“I was really excited when I heard about West Ham United’s interest,” the defender told the club’s official website. “When I heard about it, I knew I needed to go to the Premier League, because it’s a dream for every player.

“West Ham is a historic Club. I saw a few of their games this year, and I saw the fans and the atmosphere were fantastic, with the bubbles!

“I talked with the manager and he showed me that he was very interested, so it was easy to choose to come to West Ham.”

A calm defender who is comfortable in bringing the ball out of defence, Aguerd was a key part of Morocco’s run to the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations last season, playing in all of the games leading up to a 2-1 defeat to Egypt.

“I am delighted to welcome Nayef to West Ham United,” David Moyes said. “We have tracked his progress for some time and I’m very pleased that we have been able to complete the signing. He’s a great addition that will add to our defensive options.

“I have been really impressed with Nayef’s character and attitude during our discussions.”