‘Talbi holds the keys’ as Sunderland meet with Premier League defender
Sunderland have blown fans away with their transfer business so far this summer.
Confirmation of the signing of Simon Adingra from Brighton arrived on Thursday (July 10), with the winger becoming the Black Cats’ sixth confirmed arrival this summer.
Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo Mandava have also moved to the Stadium of Light, with transfer chiefs hoping to equip Régis Le Bris with a competitive squad for Sunderland’s first Premier League season since 2016/17.
Sunderland eyeing Nayef Aguerd
Sunderland are hoping to strengthen in the centre of defence this summer, with their current options severely lacking in top-level experience.
Luke O’Nien is expected to play a significant part, but the defender has never played in the Premier League, spending his career so far in League Two, League One and the Championship.
As reported by Al Omq Sport (July 11), Sunderland have now turned to West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd.
The 27-year-old, who spent the season on loan at Real Sociedad, is looking for a way out of the London Stadium this summer and has serious interest from the Black Cats.
The report claims that the parties held a meeting last week, in which Sunderland expressed their willingness to submit an offer to West Ham worth around £7million.
Aguerd has not yet made his intentions clear, but did reach out to new Sunderland man and international teammate Talbi, to ask about the club’s atmosphere and aspirations.
The Moroccan’s future will ultimately depend on the Hammers’ stance on his availability.
Aguerd could be an expensive risk
Aguerd’s time at West Ham has been riddled with injuries and misdemeanours.
Upon his arrival in 2022, the defender was ruled out for months after suffering an ankle injury, but did impress upon his return.
The following season would see Aguerd reportedly refuse to play for the club in the build-up to the African Cup of Nations – a competition that will return next January.
His return would mark a fallout between the Moroccan and David Moyes, with Aguerd then spending most of the remainder of the season out of the team.
Given West Ham spent £30m on the centre-half three years ago, the Hammers would likely expect a decent chunk of it back. Therefore, while Aguerd would certainly add experience to the Sunderland defence, they would be best minded to look elsewhere.
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