West Ham considering alternatives with Villarreal's double transfer move

One of the biggest priorities for West Ham is improving the defence. And in the preseason, it has been well highlighted that Julen Lopetegui's side need to bring in a new centre-back to partner Max Kilman and give defensive solidity to the squad.

Thus, West Ham are actively looking for center back options available on the transfer market. Simultaneously, the club is also looking to sell one of Kurt Zouma or Nayef Aguerd to raise funds for the new signing.

West Ham considering alternatives with Villarreal's double transfer move

Recently, French club Lille were said to be interested in signing Aguerd to replace Leny Yoro and to reunite Aguerd with his former Rennes manager, Bruno Genesio who is currently the manager of Lille. Also, this meant that the Hammers can receive a transfer fee of around £25 million for the 28-year-old.

However, that transfer move doesn't seem to happen as Lille have brought in Villarreal's centre back Aissa Mandi instead. Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, confirmed the transfer saying,

"Aïssa Mandi, set to undergo medical in 48h as new Lille player from Villarreal.

Permanent transfer for the defender who’s joining on two year contract until June 2026."

- Fabrizio Romano

Further, Villarreal want to replace Mandi with West Ham transfer target Oumar Solet. The French centre back, who has impressed last season with his performances for Salzburg is now close to joining Villarreal instead.

Thus, it means that West Ham need to find another club that wants to sign Aguerd so that they can move to sign any other top quality centre back. The Premier League season kicks off in under two weeks and this double transfer move from Villarreal has led West Ham to consider other alternatives for the centre back position.