“Hammers FIRST summer deal almost Done”- West Ham have finally made a long-awaited transfer breakthrough as talks begin over a crucial first deal of the summer window but there’s a problem as the initial proposal is a non-starter
West Ham Make Transfer Breakthrough – But Hit Immediate Obstacle in First Deal of the Summer
West Ham United have finally made progress in the transfer market as discussions begin on what could be their first major deal of the summer.
However, despite early optimism, the initial proposal has hit a roadblock—leaving the club effectively back where they started. Still, there’s reason for hope, as negotiations remain ongoing.
It’s no secret that West Ham must sell before they can buy due to tight financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
This reality has frustrated supporters, who are baffled that owners David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky, and Karren Brady—despite their wealth and business acumen—have allowed the club’s finances to reach this point.
Amidst the financial limitations, there’s finally some encouraging news for new manager Graham Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay.
The pair have compiled a list of young, energetic players they believe can rejuvenate the team after a prolonged spell of underperformance.
But until key sales are made, no new arrivals can be brought in.
As Hammers News previously reported, the situation is so dire that even the team’s official dugout seats are being sold to fans.
Yet a potential breakthrough could be on the horizon with the likely departure of defender Nayef Aguerd, seen as the quickest deal to help free up funds.
While the club hopes for a major windfall from Mohammed Kudus down the line, Aguerd is currently viewed as the most immediate sale candidate.
West Ham are believed to be seeking between £15–20 million for the Moroccan international, with previous interest from Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, and loan side Real Sociedad.
However, Marseille have since secured CJ Egan-Riley on a free, and Leverkusen are targeting Liverpool’s Jarrell Quansah—narrowing the list of suitors.
Juventus Open Talks for Aguerd – But Propose Swap Deal West Ham Won’t Accept
The breakthrough came when Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Juventus have formally opened talks with West Ham over a potential move for Aguerd.
The Serie A giants are in the market for a central defender and are said to view Aguerd as a top target after missing out on Jean-Clair Todibo last summer—who joined West Ham instead.
However, the initial proposal from Juventus has been met with firm resistance.
The Italian club suggested including 30-year-old defender Daniele Rugani in a player swap—an offer West Ham have outright rejected.
Although the Hammers have previously been linked with Rugani, they no longer see him as a viable option.
After years of loans, most recently to Ajax, Rugani doesn’t fit the club’s new direction under Potter, who wants to build around younger, more dynamic players such as Egan-Riley, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Koni De Winter.
West Ham have made it clear to Juventus they are only interested in a cash deal for Aguerd, arguing that the Moroccan is younger, more valuable, and a better fit for top-tier football than Rugani.
With the club desperate to raise transfer funds, a player swap “makes no sense” from their perspective.
Despite rejecting the initial offer, talks are expected to continue. Juventus remain keen and view Aguerd as a key defensive target.
For West Ham, the potential to secure £15–20 million from his sale would be a significant step forward—allowing them to make at least one key signing and kickstart Graham Potter’s rebuild.
While not finalized, this development marks the most promising sign yet in what is shaping up to be a critical summer window for the Hammers.
