West Ham transfer target Nayef Aguerd has posted an emotional farewell to Rennes ahead of a proposed move to the London Stadium.
The 26-year-old centre-back is widely expected to complete a £30million move to the Premier League this week to join David Moyes ’ side, with Aguerd said to be completing his medical with the club on Monday ahead of his transfer.
Moyes targeted a left-footed centre-back as a priority signing this summer and has moved quickly to ensure the club secured Aguerd’s signature following several impressive seasons in Ligue 1 with Dijon and then Rennes. The defender also has plenty of international experience with 25 caps for Morocco, being an ever-present for them during their run to the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
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In total, Aguerd made 80 appearances for Rennes and scored seven goals, helping the club to finish sixth in the league during his first season and fourth during the 2021/22 campaign.
"It is with great emotion I announce to you I have played my last match in Rennes colours," Aguerd posted on Twitter. "It’s a difficult decision as I have spent some exceptional times here since my arrival in August 2020. Between the discovery of the Champions League together, the qualification for the Conference League last season, the Europa League this season, the boiling atmospheres of Roazhon Park against PSG, Lyon, Leicester or OM, I leave the branded club.
"I would like to thank the whole club from the bottom of my heart. My teammates who I have fought 80 fights with in the last two seasons and who will remain my second family. The supporters, for their unwavering support in the good and bad times.
"The shareholder, Mr Pinault, who allows the club to grow day by day and to be respected not only in France but also on the European scene. Club management: Nicolas Holveck to whom I wish the greatest victory in his constant fight against illness and Olivier Cloarec with whom our paths have followed each other since 2018 in Dijon.
"Florian Maurice who came to pick me up in Dijon and for whom words are not enough to describe our relationship, it’s not enough, Julien Stephan, Bruno Genesio and all of their staff, two very high-level coaches both in football and human terms.
"All of the club’s employees who allowed us to work in an extremely healthy environment I gave everything from the start to the last day in matches and in training, on and off the pitch and will be your supporter. I sincerely wish you the best. Forever Nayef."
