Marseille weigh Aguerd offers as Real Sociedad pursue five-year deal

Olympique de Marseille have rejected an initial proposal from Real Sociedad for Morocco international Nayef Aguerd, although the defender has already reached an agreement in principle on a five-year contract with the Spanish club.

The Basque side’s first approach was considered insufficient by Marseille, according to Foot Mercato. Real Sociedad have since returned with an improved structure involving a €2.5m loan fee, bonuses and a mandatory purchase option worth €10m.

Marseille have also turned down those terms, leaving the two clubs continuing discussions in an effort to reach an overall financial agreement. The French club are currently active in the transfer market as they prepare to manage several departures from their squad.

Aguerd’s agreement with Real Sociedad means the player has made his preference clear, but his potential move remains dependent on Marseille accepting a suitable package. The defender is valued at €15m and remains under contract with the Ligue 1 club until the summer of 2030.

The 29-year-old, who was born in Kenitra, earns an annual salary of €4.91m at Marseille, equivalent to 3,191,500,000 CFA francs.

Real Sociedad are not the only European club monitoring the situation. Napoli have also shown strong interest in Aguerd as they seek to strengthen their defence during the current transfer window, according to an exclusive report from Africafoot.

That interest from Italy has added to the competition for the Morocco international and further complicated negotiations between Marseille and Real Sociedad. It also gives Aguerd and his current club alternative options as the discussions continue.

There has been interest from outside Europe as well. Following initial contact with Al Sadd, Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad have now positioned themselves in the race for the defender, according to the same sources.

The approaches from clubs in the Middle East have expanded the list of potential destinations for Aguerd, while Marseille’s valuation remains an important factor in any deal. For now, Real Sociedad’s proposed loan arrangement has not met the French club’s expectations, despite the player’s agreement on personal terms.

Real Sociedad are due to play Real Betis in the second round of the Spanish league season. Betting company 1xBet listed odds of 3.25 for a Real Sociedad victory, 3.10 for a draw and 2.05 for a Real Betis win for that fixture.