Sunderland take on European big boys! Premier League newcomers battle Marseille, Atletico Madrid to signing of Nayef Aguerd from West Ham

French outlet Footmercato reports that Sunderland have joined the race along with Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Marseille. Interest in Aguerd is heating up after his campaign in Spain last season.

While West Ham hope to sell the Aguerd, they have many options and could decide against letting him join another Premier League team, with Real Sociedad eager to bring him back after his loan spell.

Italian sides AC Milan and Roma are also interested, while Juventus could engage in a player exchange deal as Igor Tudor looks strengthen his side's defence. Spanish club Sociedad, where he spent the entire 2024-25 season on loan, are interested in making his move permanent as well.

French club Marseille are reinforcing their side after qualifying for the Champions League last season. They have signed Angel Gomes from Lille on a free transfer and are now trying to sign two defenders. Aguerd is their main transfer target, and with fellow Moroccan Mehdi Benatia serving as a director at the French club, they have approached the players’ entourage and made a contract offer.

With his impressive campaign in Spain last season, Aguerd will assess all his options on the table before deciding on his future club.