West Ham are planning to overhaul their defensive set-up completely in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from The Times (21 June), Julen Lopetegui wants to sign three new defenders in the summer window, after the Hammers conceded 74 goals in the 2023-24 season.
Angelo Ogbonna has been released by the club following the expiry of his contract. Kurt Zouma is available for sale as he is struggling to keep himself match fit every week, while Nayef Aguerd wants to leave the club this summer.
The 28-year-old defender had interest from Saudi Arabia last summer. West Ham have not received any offers for him as yet, but he is still expected to move on.
West Ham have already agreed a £25.5million deal to sign Luis Guilherme, while they hope to add four players for the start of pre-season.
Major changes at the back needed
David Moyes has done a very good job at the club but Lopetegui will feel that he needs do a lot of surgery, especially in defence.
In fact, he has not inherited a very solid squad. West Ham may need to add new full-backs, one more striker, one attacking midfielder, one back-up goalkeeper, and of course loads of central defenders.
The Hammers have agreed on a deal to sign Wes Foderingham on a free transfer, and he will complete his medical within the next week.
Aguerd joined the club on a big-money deal from French club Rennes in 2022. He spent most of the time in the treatment room and ended the season strongly, managing two goals in 30 games.
Everyone expected him to step up last season, but he has been bang average all season. He managed only 28 appearances, and West Ham will probably not hesitate to offload him if they get a good offer from the Saudi Pro League clubs.
