West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna described new signing Nayef Aguerd as “the future”.
The 26-year-old became David Moyes’ first summer signing ahead of a transfer window in which the Hammers boss is targeting up to six new additions as they prepare for a second season of European football.
Aguerd signed a five-year-contract in east London and arrives for an initial fee of £26.7m, although the deal could rise to £28m should certain add-ons be met.
Moyes had made the signing of a left-footed central defender a priority after Ogbonna’s serious knee injury picked up in November deprived him of natural balance.
Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson are both right-footed, along with Issa Diop, who could be sold this summer in an effort to raise further funds.
A key figure in the first-team prior to his injury, Ogbonna is likely to stay at the club after West Ham decided to take up the option of activating a one-year extension to the Italian’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the month.
In a video posted on the club’s official Twitter channel, Ogbonna was seen meeting Aguerd for the first time, telling him he was the “future”.
"You're the future mate"
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 20, 2022
Oggy showing the love! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GlYI1b4Rws
Standard Sport understands Moyes is now keen on adding a new forward and cover at left-back to his squad now the Aguerd deal has been wrapped up.
