Nayef Aguerd: Morocco defender linked with Stade Rennais return from Marseille

Morocco centre-back Nayef Aguerd, currently at Marseille, is being linked with a return to Ligue 1 rivals Stade Rennais despite having four years left on his contract at the Stade Velodrome.

The 30-year-old, who joined Marseille from West Ham United on 1 September 2025 for a €23m fee, is understood to be attracting interest from Rennes as they explore experienced options at the heart of their defence. Aguerd is currently valued at around €15m, a figure that would represent a significant discount on the fee Marseille paid less than a year ago.

Aguerd enjoyed a highly successful first spell at Rennes between 2020 and 2022 before moving to the Premier League, and the French club are weighing up whether a reunion could be feasible in the current window. Any move would likely require Rennes to structure a deal that reflects both Marseille’s investment and the defender’s long-term contract, which runs until 30 June 2030.

The left-footed centre-back has extensive top-flight experience, with more than 100 Ligue 1 appearances and spells in the Premier League and La Liga, as well as regular involvement in European competition. He was also part of the Morocco side that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, underlining his status on the international stage.

Marseille face a decision over whether to cash in on a player who arrived as a major defensive signing less than a season ago, or resist interest from a direct domestic rival. For now, Aguerd remains under contract at Marseille until 2030, giving the club a strong position in any negotiations.