Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd wins Marseille coach’s backing after near exit

Morocco international Nayef Aguerd is set to remain at Olympique Marseille after coach Bruno Genesio confirmed that the experienced defender is part of his plans for the season.

Aguerd had attracted interest from Real Sociedad and other European clubs and came close to leaving Marseille during the summer transfer window.

However, Genesio has made clear that he wants the 30-year-old centre-back to remain at the club, describing him as one of the experienced players he intends to rely on.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Marseille coach said Aguerd “is now ready and will remain at the team’s disposal”.

Marseille turn to experience after Monaco defeat

Marseille’s decision to keep Aguerd comes after their 2-0 defeat by Monaco in the second round of the French league last Sunday.

The result appears to have reinforced the club’s determination to retain some of its remaining experienced players rather than allow further departures.

Genesio has also highlighted Brazilian Igor Paixao and American Timothy Weah as important members of his squad.

For Aguerd, the decision represents a significant vote of confidence as Marseille seek greater stability following a difficult transfer period.

Club halt player departures

Financial constraints had forced Marseille to reduce their wage bill, resulting in the departures of several prominent players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Leonardo Balerdi and Mason Greenwood.

According to French sports outlet Onze Mondial, the Marseille hierarchy have now decided to halt the departure of further key players.

The publication reported that the club “has made a strong choice; if the club will not sign any new players this summer, it has at least made a decisive decision to stop the bleeding of players leaving and to preserve what remains of its basic pillars.”

It added that “Marseille is not signing new players this summer, but is now betting on stability to maintain its squad,” with the club deciding after the Monaco defeat to retain its remaining core players.

That decision appears to have secured Aguerd’s immediate future at the Stade Velodrome.

From Mohammed VI Academy to Morocco’s World Cup history

Aguerd is one of Morocco’s most experienced defenders and has played a significant role in the Atlas Lions’ recent rise on the international stage.

A graduate of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, he began his professional career with Dijon in 2018 before joining Rennes in 2020.

His performances in France earned him a move to the Premier League with West Ham, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The defender has made 55 appearances for Morocco and was part of the Atlas Lions squad that made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

With Marseille now prioritising stability and Genesio publicly backing him, Aguerd looks set to remain an important figure for the French side as well as one of Morocco’s leading defensive options.