Fit-again Nayef Aguerd is ready for new season – Marseille coach Bruno Genesio

Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio has confirmed Moroccan star Nayef Aguerd is fit and available to return to the team ahead of the new season.

Aguerd came close to joining Spanish outfit Real Sociedad but the move fell through in final negotiations.

Giving update on the defender, Genesio affirmed Aguerd remains part of his plans as long as the Moroccan stays at Marseille.

“He is ready,” Genesio said, stressing that he would have no hesitation in using the experienced defender if he remains with the French club.

However, the Marseille coach also acknowledged that Aguerd will need time to regain his competitive sharpness after a lengthy period without playing regular matches.

“Nayef is different; he hasn’t played for five months. He needs to get back into shape first,” Genesio explained.

Aguerd returned to group training on Wednesday and took part in the session at Marseille’s La Commanderie training centre as the club continued preparations for its opening Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg.

His return to training is an important boost for Marseille, particularly with the new season getting underway. Nevertheless, Genesio is expected to manage the Moroccan defender carefully and gradually increase his involvement rather than immediately placing him under the demands of a full competitive match.

Aguerd had been on the verge of joining Real Sociedad on loan in recent days, with the transfer appearing close to completion before collapsing unexpectedly.

The reasons behind the breakdown of the deal have since become a subject of disagreement. Real Sociedad reportedly linked the failure of the transfer to concerns arising from the player’s medical assessment, while Aguerd strongly rejected that explanation.

With the proposed move now off, Aguerd has returned to Marseille and resumed training with the first-team squad. His immediate objective will be to rebuild his match fitness and regain his place in Genesio’s plans.

The Moroccan international remains an important defensive option for Marseille, and his availability could provide the club with additional experience and strength at the back as they begin their Ligue 1 campaign.

For now, Aguerd’s future remains at Marseille, with the defender expected to focus on his physical condition and gradually return to competitive action after his prolonged absence.