Nayef Aguerd Marseille exit not yet settled

Nayef Aguerd’s future at Marseille remains open, with Al-Sadd still working to convince the defender to leave Europe and head to Qatar.

Although OM have already reached an agreement with the Qatari club, the move is not complete because the player has yet to give his approval.

Marseille brought Aguerd in as part of a major defensive rebuild, spending 23 million euros on the Moroccan centre-back after Medhi Benatia made strengthening the back line a priority. The idea was for him to become a leader in the heart of defence, but injuries prevented him from settling and delivering the impact the club had hoped for.

The proposed deal would see OM receive 4 million euros for a paid loan, followed by a mandatory purchase option worth 11 million euros. That would help reduce the club’s wage bill by about 5 million euros a year, but it would still represent a costly outcome for Marseille.

Aguerd, now 30, would prefer to continue in Europe if possible, which could keep the situation alive for a while longer. If he does leave, Marseille may turn to Jean-Clair Todibo as a replacement.