Real Sociedad were active right up until the final moments of the summer transfer window, securing key signings to bolster their squad.
The Basque club completed the signing of promising striker Orri Oskarsson from FC København, adding a significant talent to their attacking options.
However, their most critical acquisition came in the form of a much-needed replacement for Robin Le Normand, who departed for Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer.
Mats Hummels had been Sociedad’s primary target to fill the void left by Le Normand. Unfortunately, the veteran German defender pulled out of the proposed move due to family reasons, leaving the club scrambling for alternatives.
In the end, they managed to secure Nayef Aguerd on a season-long loan from West Ham United just as the transfer window was closing.
Aguerd had been linked with several La Liga clubs throughout the summer, including Atletico Madrid and Villarreal. However, it was Real Sociedad who won the race for his signature.
The Moroccan international will now compete for a spot in the heart of Sociedad’s defence alongside Igor Zubeldia, Jon Pacheco, and Aritz Elustondo.
Official announcement from the Hammers read: West Ham United can confirm Nayef Aguerd has joined Real Sociedad on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Everyone at the Club would like to wish Nayef the best for his loan spell.
This move is seen as a significant step for Real Sociedad as they aim to solidify their defensive line for the challenges ahead.
While Aguerd’s departure might not be considered a substantial loss for West Ham, it does leave manager Julen Lopetegui with a dilemma. The Spaniard has been clear in his desire to have two players for every position.
With both Aguerd and Kurt Zouma potentially leaving, West Ham could find themselves with just three senior centre-backs: Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Jean-Clair Todibo.
One potential solution for West Ham could be Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal. The Polish defender, who was a long-standing target for the Hammers before Arsenal swooped in last year, could be an ideal loan signing, especially given his versatility.
With Mikel Arteta bringing in Riccardo Calafiori this summer, Kiwior was been linked with a move away from the Emirates. Although Arteta reportedly rates Kiwior highly and has no intention of selling him, a loan deal could be on the table before the window shuts.
West Ham should have explored this option, particularly as Kiwior can also cover at left-back, a position where the Hammers are now short due to Aaron Cresswell’s injury.
As the old saying goes, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get,” and West Ham didn’t act swiftly to secure the necessary reinforcements.