Nayef Aguerd explains why his Real Sociedad return collapsed

Nayef Aguerd has revealed that his proposed return to Real Sociedad fell through because of a disagreement over his return-to-play plan, rather than any concerns over his medical condition.

The Morocco defender, who remains an Olympique de Marseille player, addressed the situation in a statement published on Instagram after his move to the Spanish club failed to materialise.

Aguerd said he successfully completed his medical examination and insisted that there were no medical problems standing in the way of the transfer.

According to the defender, the examination “went perfectly” and was approved by both Marseille and Real Sociedad.

The disagreement instead centred on how quickly he should return to full competitive action following his period away from official football.

Aguerd explained that he was expected to gradually increase his training and workload after discussing his situation with Real Sociedad’s coach.

The Spanish club’s coach, however, wanted to be able to rely on the Morocco international immediately.

That difference in approach ultimately prevented the two sides from reaching an agreement over the defender’s return to the club.

Aguerd made clear that he understood the position taken by the Real Sociedad coach, despite the disappointment of seeing the transfer collapse after the deal had appeared close to completion.

The defender also sought to reject suggestions that his decision was motivated by anything other than the disagreement over his return to competition.

“So this is neither a whim, nor a lack of respect towards Real Sociedad or anyone else ,” he explained.

Aguerd’s clarification provides his version of events after his proposed move back to Real Sociedad unexpectedly broke down.

The Moroccan had been expected to return to the Spanish club, where he had previously played, but the disagreement over his immediate workload changed the situation.

His statement also makes clear that the medical examination was not an obstacle to the transfer.

Instead, the issue was the different approaches taken by the player and the Real Sociedad coaching staff over the management of his return to football.

Aguerd has now returned to Marseille after the failed move, with his future once again uncertain.

The 30-year-old will have to assess his next step as the transfer window approaches its final stages, while Marseille continue to deal with the situation surrounding their defender.

For now, Aguerd has attempted to put the record straight, making clear that his failed return to Real Sociedad was not caused by a medical problem.

The disagreement was centred on his return-to-play protocol, with the defender wanting a gradual progression and Real Sociedad seeking to use him immediately.