Nayef Aguerd has been tipped to leave this summer but could save his West Ham career by playing in a new position out of necessity.
Nayef Aguerd’s days at West Ham look numbered.
West Ham fans thought the club had landed an elite level centre-back when they signed Aguerd from Rennes for £30m in 2022.
But fast forward to present day and one error-strewn display after another has seen Aguerd lose his Hammers place.
There have been standout performances here and there.
David Moyes has admitted Aguerd is struggling to adapt to the English game. And he was hauled off after being given a chance in the draw with Burnley.
West Ham feel Emerson absences
Aguerd is often far too weak, rash and slow to react to cut it in the Premier League.
And his style is more suited to the slower paced, tactical European games. That suggests he might be better suited to La Liga or Serie A.
Reports have abound this week that the Moroccan is changing agents with a view to leaving West Ham.
But fading star Aguerd may save his flagging West Ham career in a completely new position.
In select games for the rest of the season at least.
Aguerd the answer as West Ham’s back-up left-back?
West Ham have zero qualify in depth beyond Emerson Palmieri at left-back.
The Italian international suffered an injury in the first leg of the Europa League last 16 clash at Freiburg.
He missed the Burnley game and faces a late fitness test for the second leg.
Emerson has become a fundamental player for West Ham. And he is sorely missed when unavailable.
But he cannot be expected to play every single game.
So could Aguerd fill in at left-back when needed to save what remains of his Hammers career?
When West Ham were down to 10 men and losing at Nottingham Forest, Aguerd was switched to left-back as Emerson was withdrawn.
A position the Moroccan has played before
He actually impressed in the position during the brief cameo. Aguerd got up and down the left flank on multiple occasions during the stint. And he even got a shot off a goal on one burst forward.
Technically he is good enough to get forward with the ball. And he possesses a lovely left foot for crosses.
The impact of any mistakes he might make when defending would be lessened at left-back too.
It is a position the left-footed defender has played in the past for both Dijon and Rennes.
Having Aguerd in the side at left-back also gives West Ham that increased height in the team.
So could it make complete sense for Moyes during the run-in?
Perhaps even starting in the big decider with Freiburg if Emerson is not passed fit.