Jurgen Klopp is considering local options in order to replace Joel Matip at Liverpool

Since joining West Ham on a high-profile transfer from Rennes last summer, Nayef Aguerd has excelled, and Liverpool and Manchester City are taking notice of his performance.

Nayef Aguerd of West Ham is being watched by Liverpool as they consider a possible summer transfer.

Joel Matip’s contract expires next summer, so Jurgen Klopp will soon be planning a defensive rebuild, and he appears destined to be the first to leave.
The Reds overhauled their midfield over the summer, and a similar pattern might be seen at the back in 2024.

As Klopp looks to improve his defensive options at the end of the season, The Sun reports that Liverpool is considering a move for Hammers center-back Aguerd. The 27-year-old, who cost £30 million to bring from Rennes to the London Stadium last summer, is also attracting interest from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Aguerd has played in three Premier League games so far this year, but he was unavailable for his team’s 3-1 victory at Brighton after scoring and receiving a red card in West Ham’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea.

Prior to the international break, he was back in the lineup against Luton, and he performed well as the Hammers defeated them 2-1.

But as West Ham ultimately won the competition, it was his performance in the Europa Conference League last year that stood out.

Aguerd played a crucial part in helping Morocco advance to the World Cup semifinals after missing until November because of an ankle injury. Aguerd made a successful recovery just before the tournament.

Aguerd started all four of Morocco’s opening contests, including the victory over Spain on penalties.

However, due to a thigh injury, he was sidelined for the quarterfinal victory over France. Aguerd was a constant in the starting lineup for West Ham in the second half of the season after his return.

The former Rennes defender started 17 more Premier League games and took part in five of West Ham’s six European games on the way to the Conference League championship in 2023.
The Hammers won their first major trophy in 43 years when Aguerd started against Fiorentina in Prague.

Although Aguerd recently told his representatives that he was content at West Ham, his impressive form has since raised the ire of both Liverpool and Man City. This came after Aguerd received offers this summer from two unidentified European suitors as well as a Saudi Pro League club.

Al-Ittihad, a latecomer to the Aguerd market, expressed interest but did not make a bid.
Although it is unknown if Liverpool or City are willing to make a bid for Aguerd, if he keeps up his strong play for the Hammers in the Premier League and in Europe, there will undoubtedly be interest in him.