West Ham are signing Craig Dawson replacement with £30m deal close – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Nayef Aguerd could be a long-term successor for Craig Dawson at West Ham as they close in on a deal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Dawson, 32, remains “the best and most consistent centre-half” at the club despite his advancing years.
According to The Sun (31 May), West Ham are finalising the details of a deal for Rennes defender Aguerd.
The report claims the Irons could end up signing the 26-year-old for a fee which could rise to £30million after clauses and add-ons.
Aguerd, who is capped 19 times by Morocco, made 40 appearances across all competitions during the 2021-22 season.
Whelan claimed West Ham are trying to “freshen things up” and create a “really formidable backline”.
He told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “The best centre-half and the most consistent at West Ham, for me, is Dawson.
“But look at his age – he’s coming to the back end of his career. They spent a lot of money on Zouma, and he needs another pre-season to be really settled.
“They’re trying to freshen things up and find that longer-serving player who can give you a good three years – and the best years of his career as well.
“They are covering bases. West Ham still want to progress, and if they can get a good centre-back partnership then that could be a really formidable backline.”
West Ham’s centre-back ranks have been depleted ever since long-serving star Angelo Ogbonna suffered a serious knee injury in November 2021.
The Irons will play Europa Conference League football during the 2022-23 season.
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