Al Sadd close to loan deal for Olympique de Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd

Al Sadd are close to signing Morocco international Nayef Aguerd from Olympique de Marseille on a season-long loan, according to Foot Mercato.

The Qatari club are working to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign as they prepare to compete for every available trophy. The proposed agreement would see Al Sadd pay €4m for the loan, with an option to buy Aguerd for a further €11m.

Al Sadd and Olympique de Marseille have reportedly reached agreement on all the details of the deal. The transfer now depends on the player’s approval before it can be completed.

Aguerd joined Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2025 and is under contract with the French club until the summer of 2030. He has made 22 appearances for Marseille, scoring once and providing no assists.

The 30-year-old defender has experience in several of Europe’s leading leagues, including spells with English club West Ham United and Spanish side Real Sociedad. His proposed move to Al Sadd would therefore represent another change of league after his first season with Marseille.

Olympique de Marseille finished last season in fifth place with 59 points. The club’s position means Aguerd’s future is now the subject of transfer negotiations, with Al Sadd seeking to bring him to Qatar for the forthcoming campaign.

The agreement between the two clubs is understood to be in place, but the proposed transfer cannot be finalised until Aguerd gives his approval. As a result, the deal remains close rather than complete.

Al Sadd’s interest reflects their intention to improve their squad before the new season and challenge across all competitions. The club have identified Aguerd as a defensive addition, with the initial arrangement involving a one-year loan and the possibility of a permanent transfer at the end of that period.

Should the purchase option be activated, the total value of the proposed move would rise to €15m, made up of the €4m loan fee and the €11m option to buy. For now, however, the immediate proposal is for Aguerd to spend one season on loan in Qatar.

The report from Foot Mercato was published on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at 23:58. FilGoal also reported Al Sadd’s efforts to reinforce their squad as the club prepare for the new season.