Aguerd raring to go after Hammering out a five-year deal

Nayef Aguerd cannot wait to get stuck in at the London Stadium after signing a five-year deal with West Ham. 

The left-sided centre-back, 26, has joined the Hammers from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a reported £30million. 

And he is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of his first Premier League game in front of a packed house in East London. 

Aguerd, who will wear the No27 shirt, said: “I was really excited when I heard about West Ham’s interest.

“West Ham are a historic club. I saw a few of their games this year and the fans and the atmosphere were fantastic with the bubbles! 

“I talked with the manager and he showed me the was very interested, so it was easy to choose to come to West Ham.”

After two impressive seasons with Rennes, the former Dijon defender will provide competition for the likes of Craig Dawson, Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma. 

And the Morocco international, who has 25 senior caps to his name, already has experience of facing a Premier League club having been part of the Rennes side knocked out of the Europa Conference League by Leicester last term. 

Hammers boss David Moyes added: “I am delighted to welcome Nayef to West Ham. 

“We have tracked his progress for some time and I’m very pleased that we have been able to complete the signing. 

“He’s a great addition that will add to our defensive options. I have been really impressed with Nayef’s character and attitude during our discussions.

“He has a great desire to improve and be successful. And I am sure he will fit in very well to the environment we have at Rush Green.”

Born in the city of Kenitra in the north of Morocco, Aguerd speaks fluent French, English, Arabaic and Spanish.