Marseille transfer shake-up brings Nayef Aguerd back into Real Sociedad’s sights

Olympique de Marseille’s plans to reduce their wage bill could lead to the departure of Morocco international Nayef Aguerd, with Real Sociedad stepping up their interest in the defender.

Marseille are continuing to restructure their squad before the start of the new season as they look to lower salary costs and create space for further activity in the transfer market. That financial strategy could result in several high-profile players leaving the French club in the coming weeks.

According to Foot Mercato, Real Sociedad have emerged strongly in the race to sign Aguerd. The Spanish club are understood to be taking advantage of Marseille’s intention to sell players on substantial wages as the Ligue 1 side attempts to improve its financial position.

Aguerd is among the leading candidates to leave this summer because of his market value. His sale could provide Marseille with a significant financial return and help strengthen the club’s finances ahead of the new campaign.

The 29-year-old defender already has experience of playing for Real Sociedad. He spent the 2024-25 season on loan at the club from West Ham, and a return to San Sebastian is now being considered as Marseille assess their options.

Aguerd’s future has attracted considerable attention since the opening of the transfer window. Al Sadd are also pushing to recruit the Morocco defender, while his former club Rennes have expressed an interest in bringing him back.

The defender previously had a release clause worth €15m, but the period during which it could be activated expired at the end of July.

Aguerd joined Marseille after his spell at West Ham, but the club’s need to reduce its wage bill has placed his position under fresh scrutiny. Any decision over his future is expected to form part of a wider reshaping of the squad rather than an isolated transfer move.

The Morocco international is not the only Marseille player whose future is attracting interest. Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli is reportedly close to moving to Manchester City, while Brazilian winger Igor Paixao continues to draw attention from several clubs.

Those possible departures reflect the scale of the changes anticipated at Marseille as the club attempts to balance sporting ambitions with its financial requirements. Selling players with significant market value and reducing the overall wage burden are central to the current process.

For Real Sociedad, Aguerd’s previous loan spell means the defender is already familiar with the club, while Marseille must decide whether a permanent transfer would provide the financial benefit required to support their wider plans. No agreement has been confirmed, but the Spanish side are now firmly involved in the discussions surrounding the player.