Real Sociedad agree deal to sign Nayef Aguerd from Marseille

Real Sociedad have reached a verbal agreement with Olympique de Marseille to sign Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

The proposed move would see Aguerd join the Spanish club on loan during the current summer transfer window for a fee of 4m euros. The agreement would also include an option for Real Sociedad to make the transfer permanent for 11m euros.

The deal is not yet complete, with Real Sociedad and Marseille expected to finalise the remaining formalities before the transfer can be officially announced.

Aguerd is understood to have been particularly keen on returning to Real Sociedad, and his preference is reported to have helped the two clubs move closer to an agreement. The defender previously spent time at the Spanish club on loan in the season before last, before moving to Marseille.

The Morocco international joined Marseille from West Ham. He now appears set to begin another spell in Spain, with Real Sociedad seeking to complete the necessary paperwork ahead of confirmation of the transfer.

There had also been reports of interest from Qatari club Al Sadd in signing Aguerd. However, Real Sociedad have emerged as the leading destination, with the player’s desire to return to the club playing a significant part in the developing agreement.

Foot Mercato reported that the arrangement between Marseille and Real Sociedad is currently verbal. The clubs must therefore complete the final stages of the transaction before Aguerd’s move can be formally announced.

Aguerd’s previous spell at Real Sociedad means the proposed transfer would represent a return rather than an entirely new start in the Spanish league. He previously played for the club on loan before his move to Marseille, and is now preparing for another experience in Spain.

The current terms would initially keep the defender at Real Sociedad on a temporary basis, with the Spanish club given the choice to negotiate a permanent transfer for 11m euros. That option would allow Real Sociedad to assess the player during the loan period before deciding whether to complete a full transfer.

For now, the agreement remains subject to the final procedures being completed by both clubs. Once those steps are concluded, Real Sociedad and Marseille are expected to make the move official.