Nayef Aguerd transfer: Al Sadd near agreement with Olympique de Marseille

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Al Sadd are close to reaching an agreement with Olympique de Marseille to sign Morocco international Nayef Aguerd, as the French club continues efforts to improve its financial position.

According to French network Foot Mercato, the Qatar-based club could secure the 30-year-old defender for an initial €4m, with an automatic purchase option worth a further €11m.

Al Sadd will still need to agree personal terms with Aguerd, including his salary, before the move can be completed.

The proposed arrangement represents an important development for Olympique de Marseille, whose board is keen to conclude the deal quickly. The club had initially hoped to sell Aguerd outright in order to generate immediate income, but difficulties in the transfer market have led it to accept a loan deal with an option to buy.

Aguerd joined Olympique de Marseille only one year ago and remains under contract until 2030. However, he was among the players considered likely to leave during the current summer transfer window as the club looks for ways to reduce its wage bill and restore balance to its budget.

A specific clause was included when the defender signed for Marseille. Until 31 July, Aguerd was able to leave the club for a fixed fee of €15m, payable in a single instalment.

That opportunity was ultimately not taken, although the 30-year-old continued to attract considerable interest.

Stade Rennais, where Aguerd played between 2020 and 2022, were particularly keen to bring him back. Despite their interest, the club was unable to make progress towards an agreement.

Al Sadd have been following the Morocco international for several weeks and now appear to have moved ahead of the competition. The proposed transfer would give Marseille some immediate financial relief through the €4m loan payment, while also offering the possibility of a further €11m if the purchase option is activated.

The deal is not yet complete because terms with the player remain to be settled. Aguerd has won 64 international caps for Morocco.

Marseille’s efforts to reshape their squad and finances have already included the sale of several players to help balance the budget. The possible departure of Aguerd is part of the same wider strategy, despite his relatively recent arrival and the long-term contract he signed with the French club.