Club’s bizarre description of new boy from West Ham suggests they’ve signed the wrong player. West Ham will be left bemused after seeing a club’s description of a player they’ve just let go but it’s no longer their problem.
Nine players arrived and in the end 12 departed West Ham during the summer window. It says a lot about Nayef Aguerd’s time at West Ham that fans were disappointed to see he had only left for Real Sociedad on loan.
Aguerd started off last season in the same kind of inconsistent, error-prone form that has been an unwelcome feature of his time with the Hammers. Ex boss David Moyes spoke out publicly to say Aguerd’s performances must improve.
He soon found himself on the bench and before Christmas it looked highly likely Aguerd had played his last game for West Ham. The Moroccan made himself unavailable for the Hammers due to illness over the busy festive period.
Club’s bizarre description of new boy from West Ham
But he then jetted off to meet up with the Morocco squad for AFCON amid rumours he did not intend on coming back with his agent working on a move elsewhere.
Ironically it was Aguerd’s error that dumped the Atlas Lions – who were joint favourites – out of the tournament. No move materialised and Aguerd found himself benched for much of the second half of the season. When he did play mistakes followed.
West Ham made it clear to the defender he can find a new club. But despite having many months to sort his future, Aguerd snubbed a host of offers and cost the Hammers £20m in the process.
In the end he has left West Ham very much on his terms for Real Sociedad and right at the last knockings of the window, giving the club no time to sign a replacement. The deal has been announced as a straight loan like so many across football. But the feeling is a permanent switch will be agreed at some point during the season.
Especially as Aguerd has made it clear he has no intention of returning to east London.
Wording suggests Real Sociedad have signed the wrong player
He may not have a choice, though, if he continues the level of performance that has put him in this position in the first place. Particularly given the way he has been welcomed to Real Sociedad. Because the club’s bizarre description of the new arrival from West Ham suggests they’ve signed the wrong player.
It an announcement of Aguerd’s capture on Sociedad’s official website, they told fans to expect Aguerd to bring ‘power and dynamism’ to their defence. “Nayef Aguerd arrives at the Reale Arena to bring his strength and dynamism to the Real Sociedad defence,” Sociedad said.
“With 47 international appearances for Morocco and over 10,000 minutes played in Ligue 1 and the Premier League, the left-footed centre-back will be defending our colours this season. Welcome, Nayef! Marhaban!” Move needs to work out for West Ham’s sake
Are Sociedad sure they’ve got the right player here?
‘Power and dynamism’?
They are probably the last words anyone would use to describe Aguerd after his performances at West Ham.
If anything his displays have been weak and wooden with his lack of strength and bravery infuriating for supporters at times. On the ball Aguerd has the ability to ping the odd 70-yard diagonal pass.
But he is neither powerful nor dynamic.
The slower pace of La Liga will undoubtedly suit Aguerd better than the Premier League.
Real Sociedad might be in for a shock, though, based on their big build up for their new arrival from West Ham. Although for West Ham’s hopes of getting some money in by way of a permanent switch, let’s hope Aguerd is a success.
