Marseille consider loan exit for Nayef Aguerd as Real Sociedad move gathers pace

Olympique de Marseille are considering a significant change in Nayef Aguerd’s future, with Real Sociedad emerging as the leading destination for the Morocco international despite previous interest from Al Sadd.

Marseille are continuing to restructure their finances during the summer transfer window as they look to reduce their wage bill and generate additional funds. The club are therefore assessing offers for several players before the transfer window closes, including members of the squad who remain important from a sporting perspective.

Aguerd has become one of the players whose position is under review. The defender joined Marseille last summer for €23m and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s defence. However, interest from several clubs has created the possibility of a departure after he attracted proposals from clubs in the Gulf region.

Qatar-based Al Sadd were among the sides to show interest in the 29-year-old, while Rennes had also previously monitored his situation. That interest came before the €15m release clause in his contract expired.

The latest development has seen Real Sociedad make a strong move for Aguerd. The Spanish club are understood to have used the positive relationship built during the defender’s previous spell in San Sebastian, where he enjoyed a successful loan campaign in the 2024-25 season.

Aguerd has agreed to return to the Basque club, according to reports. The prospect of playing in the Europa League and working with manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is understood to have appealed to him as part of a project that would offer another opportunity to compete in European football.

Olympique de Marseille and Real Sociedad have reached a preliminary agreement for Aguerd to move on loan for a fee, with the deal also including an option for the Spanish club to make the transfer permanent at a later stage.

The proposed arrangement would serve the immediate interests of both clubs. Marseille would gain greater financial flexibility as they continue efforts to reshape their squad and reduce costs, while Real Sociedad would bring back a defender who is already familiar with the club, its environment and its sporting structure.

Aguerd’s possible move comes as Marseille also prepare for another defensive change. Argentine defender Facundo Medina is reportedly close to completing a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen for €25m.

That deal, together with the proposed loan of Aguerd, would form part of Marseille’s wider attempt to balance their finances before the end of the summer window. Although Aguerd remains highly valued for his performances at the Stade Velodrome, the club’s financial priorities have opened the door to a return to the side where he impressed during the previous season.