Olympique de Marseille’s efforts to sign Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd have hit a stumbling block, with club officials increasingly hesitant to proceed with the transfer due to two key concerns.
The 29-year-old centre-back, currently on the books at West Ham United, has been on Marseille’s radar as head coach Roberto De Zerbi seeks to bolster his defensive line ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign.
However, what initially appeared to be a promising move is now facing serious doubts from the club’s hierarchy.
The first complication lies in West Ham’s firm stance on the terms of the transfer. The Premier League side has categorically ruled out a loan deal, insisting on a permanent transfer with a fee reportedly set at €23 million.
For a player approaching his 30s, the valuation is proving to be a significant obstacle for Marseille, particularly given the club’s recent financial caution and need to balance investment with long-term sustainability.
While Aguerd’s experience and defensive solidity make him an attractive prospect on paper—having previously impressed during his stint with Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 before joining West Ham—Marseille’s management is wary of committing such a substantial figure for a player whose availability during the upcoming season may be limited.
That leads to the second major concern: the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be held in Aguerd’s home country, Morocco. With the tournament scheduled to take place mid-season, the defender would almost certainly miss a crucial stretch of domestic fixtures.
The potential disruption to Marseille’s defensive plans during that period has weighed heavily in the decision-making process, especially with De Zerbi eager to establish a stable and consistent backline.
Sources close to the club suggest that these factors have caused Marseille to cool their interest in recent days, despite initial optimism about Aguerd’s potential return to Ligue 1.
The need for defensive reinforcements remains a priority at the Vélodrome, but the technical staff is now reportedly exploring alternative options who may offer better value and more consistent availability throughout the season.
Aguerd, who joined West Ham in 2022, has endured a mixed spell in the Premier League, with injuries and fluctuating form occasionally limiting his impact.
Nonetheless, his leadership qualities and composure on the ball remain highly regarded, both at club level and within the Moroccan national team.
While a move to Marseille may not be entirely off the table, it is increasingly unlikely under the current conditions. Unless West Ham reconsiders its stance on a loan or reduces the transfer fee, or unless Marseille recalibrates its budgetary plans, the deal appears to be drifting further out of reach.
For now, De Zerbi and the Marseille board continue to assess their options as the transfer window progresses, keeping defensive depth as a top priority—but with clear financial and tactical boundaries in mind.
