Nayef Aguerd: Real Sociedad move ended over return-to-play plans

Nayef Aguerd says his proposed return to Real Sociedad fell through because of a disagreement over his recovery programme, rather than any medical problem.

The Morocco defender issued a statement on Instagram to clarify why he did not complete a move back to the Spanish club. Aguerd said his medical examination was completed successfully and approved by both Real Sociedad and his current club, Olympique de Marseille.

According to the player, the main difficulty concerned the timing of his return to full activity. After speaking with the Real Sociedad manager, Aguerd was expected to resume playing gradually. The coach, however, wanted to be able to use the defender immediately.

Aguerd said he understood the club’s position, while making clear that the collapse of the transfer was not the result of a dispute or a failure to meet medical requirements.

« Ce n’est donc ni un caprice, ni un manque de respect envers la Real Sociedad ou qui que ce soit», he explained.

The statement was intended to address suggestions that a problem identified during the medical examination had prevented the move from being completed. Aguerd rejected that explanation, saying the examination had “perfectly” taken place and had been validated by both clubs.

Instead, the issue was linked to the different expectations surrounding his availability. The player’s proposed plan involved a progressive return following his discussion with the Real Sociedad manager. The Spanish coach’s preference was for the Moroccan defender to be ready for immediate involvement.

That difference meant the anticipated return to Real Sociedad did not go ahead, despite the medical process being completed successfully. Aguerd’s comments also sought to underline that he had no intention of showing disrespect towards the club or anyone involved in the negotiations.

The defender remains an Olympique de Marseille player after the failed move. His explanation puts the focus on the sporting and physical conditions attached to his return, rather than on his fitness being rejected by either club.

Aguerd had been set to rejoin Real Sociedad, but the agreement could not be finalised because the two sides did not share the same view on how quickly he should resume playing. He has now publicly clarified that distinction, stressing that the outcome was based on a return-to-play protocol and not a medical concern.