Nayef Aguerd ‘could join Ghisolfi at Sunderland’ as West Ham exit looms
Sunderland are preparing to make serious strides in the transfer window as they look to build a Premier League survival squad.
Regis Le Bris currently has Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien as his most efficient centre-backs, but both have concerning injury records.
Elsewhere, Aji Alese can play in the hub of the Wearsiders’ back line, although his injury record is even worse.
As Chris Mepham’s time at Sunderland comes to an end, the Black Cats could have his replacement in Nayef Aguerd.
Florent Ghisolfi can bring Aguerd to Sunderland
As they aim to bolster the spine of their team, Sunderland have been linked with a move for Japhet Tanganga.
The centre-back impressed in the Championship at Millwall and thus has interest from the Premier League and the second tier.
However, with the incoming appointment of Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi, the Black Cats can enhance their targets.
Ghisolfi served as technical director at AS Roma, the club that Sunderland signed Enzo Le Fee from for a club-record deal.
While he is not going to replace Kristjaan Speakman, he will help aid the recruitment process at the Stadium of Light.
Indeed, Ghisolfi was working on signing West Ham defender, Aguerd, for Roma, but as he is leaving, he could instead bring him to the North East of England.
| Nayef Aguerd’s 2024/25 La Liga statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
| Tackles per game | 1.4 |
| Clearances | 4.2 |
| Touches | 77.4 |
| Accurate passes | 57.6 (88%) |
Aguerd spent the entirety of last season on loan with La Liga side Real Sociedad, where he made 21 appearances.
His future in East London is in doubt, meaning the Black Cats have the opportunity to strike a deal with the Hammers.
Would Aguerd be a good signing for Black Cats?
Given Le Bris’ young side, Premier League experience would be a vital ingredient for success next term.
Aguerd already has 39 top-flight appearances to his name as well as a wealth in Europe’s top divisions.
Furthermore, the 29-year-old has represented Morocco on over 50 occasions, including several times in the World Cup.
At West Ham, he has endured mixed experiences, with consistency an issue at the London Stadium. At 29, he is unlikely to have a future with the Irons and thus could be available for a cut-price deal during this window.
During his spell with Sociedad, he enjoyed a better time and was praised during a season that was hampered by injury.
It seems Sunderland have options at centre-back, and a move for Aguerd must be considered.
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