Podcaster ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United have a ‘strong interest’ in signing Soufiane Rahimi upon the recommendation of Nayef Aguerd.
Earlier this summer, the Hammers pulled off the signing of the centre-back who arrived from Rennes on a five-year deal. It seems as though the club have taken no time in getting the best out of the defender too.
Indeed, if the latest reports are to be believed, West Ham are now chasing Aguerd’s Moroccan teammate in the transfer market after the attacker was recommended to the club.
While speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex claimed as much, saying (12:02): “One player I’m told that we definitely have a strong interest in is a forward/winger – again, called Soufiane – but this time it’s Soufiane Rahimi.
“He’s a forward/winger, he’s only played for Morocco six times. And he’s currently playing in United Arab Emirates, in Dubai – a team called Al-Ain. So he’s never played in a top flight, or top European leagues before.
“And he’s like 25, 26. So it could be a bit of a gamble. I don’t even know if you get a work permit. I haven’t looked at that side yet. But I know he’s someone that Aguerd has recommended, and someone that we’ve looked at.”
TIF thoughts on Soufiane Rahimi and West Ham…
Playing for Al-Ain last season, Rahimi operated largely on the left-wing but also played more centrally and on the other flank too. In that period, he showed a good eye for goal with nine strikes in 29 outings – while showing his creative side too, picking up 13 assists (via Transfermarkt).
As Ex mentions, there could be some doubts over his ability to do it in the Premier League, as he has never played in Europe before. But having lined up alongside new West Ham man Aguerd while on international duty with Morroco, Rahimi evidently impressed in that time.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not the Hammers step up their interest in the attacker but they do seem to have a ‘strong interest’ in the 26-year-old, so this could be one to keep an eye on.