West Ham have completed the signing of Nayef Aguerd from Rennes for a reported fee of £30million including add-ons (€34.9m).
The Morocco international joins on a five-year deal as Hammers manager David Moyes strengthens his backline ahead of next season.
The defender featured in 66 Ligue 1 games for Rennes after joining in 2020, while also helping his country to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar after overcoming DR Congo 5-2 on aggregate over two play-off matches.
West Ham struggled with injuries last season, especially at centre-back, but Aguerd provides much-needed depth ahead of another challenge for the European qualification spots next season.
Welcome to West Ham United, !
— West Ham United (@WestHam)
I am delighted to welcome Nayef to West Ham United. We have tracked his progress for some time and I m very pleased that we have been able to complete the signing, Moyes told the club s official website.
He s a great addition that will add to our defensive options.
Aguerd pinpointed the interest of Moyes as a crucial factor for him joining the 2021-22 Europa League semi-finalists.
I was really excited when I heard about West Ham United s interest, Aguerd said after penning his contract with the Hammers.
I talked with the manager and he showed me that he was very interested, so it was easy to choose to come to West Ham.