Nayef Aguerd halts Real Sociedad reunion following final discussions

Nayef Aguerd has decided against joining Real Sociedad, despite completing a medical and the Spanish club reaching an agreement with Olympique de Marseille over a proposed transfer.

The Morocco international had been expected to return to the Basque club after Real Sociedad and Marseille settled the terms of the deal. Aguerd underwent the required medical examinations as preparations continued for the move, but he has now chosen not to proceed with the transfer.

The development was reported on Thursday evening by prominent journalist Santi Aouna, a correspondent for the French website Foot Mercato. Aouna said Aguerd had rejected Real Sociedad’s offer even though the player had already completed his medical and an agreement was in place between the two clubs.

Aguerd’s decision followed a conversation with Real Sociedad head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. After speaking with the manager, the Morocco defender ultimately preferred not to make the move to Spain.

The decision is a surprising one because Aguerd had appeared to be on the verge of returning to Real Sociedad during the current transfer window. He previously represented the club during the 2024-25 season, when he joined on loan from English club West Ham United.

The defender produced good performances during that spell and became familiar with the club before leaving for Olympique de Marseille. His previous time in San Sebastian had made a second spell at Real Sociedad a realistic possibility, with negotiations progressing to the point where the transfer appeared close to completion.

Previous reports said the proposed arrangement would have seen Aguerd join Real Sociedad on loan for one season. The agreement was also understood to include an option for the Spanish club to buy him permanently at the end of the loan period.

Real Sociedad had reportedly increased their loan offer to approximately 4m euros, while the purchase option was believed to be worth about 11m euros. Those terms had helped move discussions forward between the Spanish and French clubs.

However, despite the agreement between Real Sociedad and Olympique de Marseille, and despite the completion of Aguerd’s medical, the Morocco international has now decided not to continue with the transfer.

His change of position leaves the proposed return to the Basque side in doubt and represents an unexpected turn in negotiations that had seemed close to being concluded. Aguerd’s return to the San Sebastian stadium had looked particularly likely during this transfer window, but his conversation with Matarazzo was followed by a decision to remain away from the Spanish club.