Morocco star Nayef Aguerd rejects Real Sociedad move after medical test

Morocco international Nayef Aguerd has sensationally rejected a move to Real Sociedad despite completing his mandatory medical.

Marseille had agreed a loan move for the former West Ham United centre-back in the current summer window. Despite, the 30-year-old defender completing his medical examinations on Wednesday, the move has fell through after Aguerd personally turned down the move.

However, according to reports, Aguerd made a last-minute decision to pull out of the transfer after all the details of the deal had reportedly been finalised.

The reasons behind the Moroccan international’s change of heart remain unclear, leaving Marseille and Real Sociedad surprised by the unexpected development.

Aguerd had been set to join Real Sociedad on a season-long loan for a reported €2 million, with the agreement also including a non-mandatory purchase option worth €17 million.

The proposed move appeared particularly attractive to the Moroccan defender, who is already familiar with Real Sociedad after spending the 2024/25 season with the club.

Aguerd’s decision to reject the transfer also represents a setback for Marseille, who were hoping to resolve the defender’s situation during the current transfer window.

The French club had been keen to reduce their wage bill ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with Aguerd’s salary understood to be one of the issues the club wanted to address.

Marseille signed the centre-back from West Ham United for €23 million during the final hours of the 2025 summer transfer window, but his time at the French club has not developed as expected.

According to L’Équipe, Aguerd’s physical condition and substantial salary have made it difficult for Marseille to find a permanent buyer for the player.

The proposed return to Real Sociedad was therefore viewed as an opportunity for Aguerd to regain his fitness and rediscover his best form in a familiar environment and league.

There was also a personal connection with Real Sociedad coach Bruno Genesio, who knows Aguerd well from their time together at Rennes between 2021 and 2022.

Genesio reportedly holds the Moroccan defender in high regard and particularly appreciated his personality during their time together in France.

Despite those factors, Aguerd will not be returning to the Basque club after his last-minute decision to abandon the move.

The unexpected U-turn leaves Marseille facing fresh uncertainty over the defender’s future, while Real Sociedad must now look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

For Aguerd, meanwhile, the next step of his career remains unclear after a transfer that appeared virtually completed collapsed at the final stage.