Marseille weigh €4m loan deal for Nayef Aguerd with Al Sadd

Nayef Aguerd could leave Olympique de Marseille this summer, with talks under way over a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Sadd.

The proposed deal would initially see the Morocco international join Al Sadd on loan, with an automatic purchase option included in the agreement, according to Foot Mercato. The French outlet reports that negotiations between the two clubs are already in progress.

If the transfer goes ahead, Olympique de Marseille would receive a loan fee of €4m for Aguerd. Al Sadd would then be expected to pay a further €11m if the conditions for the compulsory purchase option are met.

The possible move would bring an early end to Aguerd’s time at Marseille, where he would have spent only one season if he departs during the current summer transfer window. The defender previously played for Rennes before moving on to the Mediterranean club.

Aguerd’s potential exit is understood to form part of a wider financial plan at Olympique de Marseille. Foot Mercato says the club is considering the departure of the Morocco international in order to “alleger sa masse salariale et ameliorer sa situation financiere” – reduce its wage bill and improve its financial position.

No agreement has yet been confirmed, but discussions over the structure of the transfer are continuing. The negotiations centre on a temporary move with a purchase clause that would automatically become effective, rather than an immediate permanent transfer.

For Marseille, the deal would provide an initial €4m while creating the possibility of a further €11m fee. For Al Sadd, it would offer the chance to secure Aguerd’s services on loan before committing to the permanent purchase outlined in the proposed agreement.

Aguerd’s future is therefore set to be one of the issues to follow during the summer market, with his possible switch to the Saudi Pro League dependent on the outcome of talks between Olympique de Marseille and Al Sadd.