'Very good': Nayef Aguerd admits he's a big fan of £22m West Ham player who David Moyes might sell

By Sam Preston

Nayef Aguerd has said that he is a fan of new West Ham teammate Issa Diop, whose place he could take at the club.

The Hammers have finally kickstarted their summer business, adding some depth and quality to their backline in the shape of the Morocco international.

But it has been reported that the arrival of Aguerd could signal the end of Diop’s West Ham career, rather than the pair forming a partnership at the back.

Speaking to the club’s official website after his arrival was confirmed, Aguerd spoke about David Moyes’ existing central defensive options.

Aguerd a fan of Diop

“Ogbonna was injured [since November] last season so I didn’t see a lot of him,” Aguerd said. 

“Kurt Zouma, I played against him when he was at Chelsea, in the Champions League. He’s a strong guy and he can jump high.

“Issa Diop also played in France and he is very good also, as is Craig Dawson. 

“I don’t like to talk a lot about the other players, because I’m only a player like them, but I’m looking forward to playing with them.”

We had a look at a potential West Ham starting XI for next season, which has Kurt Zouma alongside Aguerd at the heart of defence.

Diop cost £22 million (BBC) in 2018 but found himself down the central defensive pecking order last season.

Selling Diop now that Aguerd is through the door would not do much for the depth of the squad, however, so it remains to be seen where the Frenchman’s future lies.