Sunderland have joined the race to sign West Ham United star | OneFootball

Sunderland Eye Nayef Aguerd in Ambitious Transfer Push

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been marked by a statement of intent in the transfer market. According to Foot Mercato, the Black Cats are not content with their already-busy summer window and have identified Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd as a priority target.

Big summer arrivals under Regis Le Bris

Under the leadership of Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have already brought in over 12 new faces. Notable additions include Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Simon Adingra and Marc Guiu. This recruitment drive underlines the club’s determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive Premier League outfit. As Foot Mercato reported, “Sunderland have decided to make a big splash in the transfer market this summer.”

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Aguerd’s uncertain West Ham future

Nayef Aguerd, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, returned to West Ham this summer. He started in the Hammers’ heavy defeats against Chelsea (5-1) and Sunderland (3-0), yet speculation has surrounded his future for weeks. Aguerd has attracted interest from European clubs including Roma, AC Milan, and Marseille. As the French outlet noted, “Sunderland intends to convince him to join the club’s ambitious project and wants to return to the fray to make a significant financial offer.”

Sunderland’s defensive ambitions

Sunderland’s pursuit of Aguerd makes sense. Despite their signings, defensive stability remains crucial in the Premier League. The Moroccan international brings both experience and physical presence, attributes that could prove vital in the fight for survival and beyond. The question now is whether West Ham will agree to part with him and whether Aguerd himself views Sunderland as the right next step in his career.

Sunderland’s project has certainly caught attention, and should they succeed in luring Aguerd, it would be another bold move signalling their ambitions for this season.

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From a Sunderland fan’s perspective, this report will likely be met with cautious optimism. The summer window has already been transformative, and while fans are excited, there’s an understanding that the defence must be strengthened if the club is to survive in the Premier League.

Aguerd, with his experience at Rennes, West Ham, and on the international stage with Morocco, represents the calibre of signing that can elevate Sunderland beyond being relegation candidates. Supporters would see him as a player who offers leadership at the back and the ability to organise a defence still adjusting to the demands of the top flight.

However, there will also be realism. Some fans might question whether Aguerd would genuinely choose Sunderland over clubs like Roma or AC Milan. Others may wonder about the financial implications of such a deal, particularly with more than a dozen signings already made. The project under Regis Le Bris is ambitious, but backing it with wages and transfer fees for a player of Aguerd’s standing is a test of how far the club are willing to go.

Ultimately, Sunderland fans would welcome the pursuit. Even if it doesn’t materialise, the fact that the club are targeting a defender of Aguerd’s profile signals ambition not seen at the Stadium of Light for years. That ambition alone could help bring belief back to the terraces.