Potter’s successful strategy means Black Cats back away

Three months ago West Ham’s want-away defender Nayef Aguerd was asking to be excused pre-season, as he didn’t plan on coming back to West Ham, and was simply waiting for his loan side Real Sociedad to bid for him. In any case, rumours were that a host of European sides including Marseille, Roma, Milan, along with Premier League Sunderland were keen to secure his transfer.

In something of a quiet revolution, the Euro-admirers have vanished – probably being deterred by West Ham’s’ £20 million + price demand – and even Sunderland appear to have backed away from a bid. Sunderlandecho.com now suggests that the Black Cats have walked backwards from a bid to secure the 29 year old Aguerd because West Ham have, in fact, signalled that they don’t want to sell him:

“[West Ham] the club have seemingly dropped a number of hints that would suggest the defender will be staying put for the time being…Aguerd has been handed the number five shirt at the London Stadium in the aftermath of Vladimir Coufal’s departure from the Claret [and Blues].

Aguerd started two out of three matches during West Ham’s pre-season Premier League Summer Series tour of the United States in the past week or so, including a full 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday night.”

So, Sunderland move on and Potter can quietly congratulate himself on another satisfactory re-engagement for a ‘want-away’ Hammer. The defence has grown in solidity over the summer friendlies, and whilst tougher tests lie ahead, West Ham’s new number 5 does seem more settled and meshing well with fellow centre backs Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo.

A win for Potter: A small one, but a definite ‘win’.