Sunderland have submitted an official bid for West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd, according to reports in France.
The Black Cats, back in the Premier League this season, are looking to strengthen their defence before Monday’s transfer deadline. Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna says Sunderland face competition from Marseille but are pushing ahead with their attempt to sign the Morocco international.
Writing on X, Aouna said: “L’OM has accelerated in recent hours on Nayef Aguerd. Discussions ongoing with West Ham. His possible arrival at L’OM is independent of that of Joël Ordoñez. In parallel, Sunderland is pushing and has officially submitted an offer to West Ham for the Moroccan.”
Aguerd, 29, has started both of West Ham’s league fixtures this season and also featured in their Carabao Cup tie with Wolves. He joined the Hammers from Rennes in 2022 for around £30m and has since made 61 appearances.
Last season he was on loan at Real Sociedad, playing 36 times in La Liga. At international level, he has won 55 senior caps for Morocco.
Sunderland have already been active in the market under new manager Regis Le Bris, with more than a dozen new arrivals including Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele and Simon Adingra. Reports in France suggest they want to make another “big splash” before the window closes, with Aguerd seen as a key target.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman recently told Football Focus the club would continue working until deadline day: “We’re trying to build the best squad for the Premier League that we can do. Fans will be excited to see new faces, but we’ve always tried to look at every outcome when we make decisions. It’s bound to be a bit of a gamble, it always is, but we’ve tried to make sure the club is future-proof.”
Aguerd’s future at West Ham remains uncertain, with interest from Roma, AC Milan and Marseille also reported. Sunderland hope their project – and the prospect of regular Premier League football – can persuade him to make the switch.
