Nayef Aguerd confirms Rennes exit ahead of West Ham move
Nayef Aguerd has confirmed in a post on social media that he is leaving Rennes, with West Ham expected to announce his signing in the coming days.
90min confirmed on Thursday that Aguerd would undergo the second part of a medical in London on Friday, after terms were agreed with Rennes over a move that could be worth as much as £30m plus add-ons.
Aguerd has been away on international duty with Morocco for the past couple of weeks, which had seen negotiations draw out a little longer than many would have liked, but in a post circulated on his official Twitter account, the 26-year-old has confirmed he is leaving Rennes for pastures new - posting a fond farewell to the club's staff and supporters.
"It is with great emotion that I announce that I played my last match under the colours [against] of Lille," Aguerd wrote. "It’s a difficult decision as I have spent exceptional times here since my arrival at the club in August 2020.
"Between the discovery of the Champions League together, the qualification for the Conference League last season, the snatch in the Europa League this season, the boiling atmospheres of Roazhon Park against PSG, Lyon, Leicester or OM.
"I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the components of the club. My teammates with whom I have fought 80 fights these last 2 seasons and who are and will remain for me a 2nd family
The supporters, RCK in the lead, for their unwavering support in the good times like in 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. The management of the club: Nicolas Holveck to whom I wish the most beautiful victory in his constant fight against illness and Olivier Cloarec with whom our paths have been following each other since 2018 in Dijon.
"Florian Maurice who came to pick me up in Dion and for whom words are not enough
is not enough to describe our relationship. Julien Stephan, Bruno Génésio and all of their staff, two very high level coaches both in football and in human terms.
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"All of the club’s employees who allowed us to work in an extremely healthy environment. I gave everything from the 1st to the last day in matches and in training, on and off the pitch and will be your 1st supporter.
"I sincerely wish you the best."
West Ham quickly identified Aguerd as a key target this summer after manager David Moyes intimated he wanted to strengthen the left-side of central defence, and saw off late competition from Newcastle for his signature - the Magpies making two separate approaches after growing frustrated in their bid to sign Lille's Sven Botman.