Real Sociedad strike agreement to sign Morocco star Nayef Aguerd on loan

Real Sociedad have reached an agreement to sign Morocco international Nayef Aguerd on loan from French outfit Marseille in the current window.

According to reports, negotiations between Real Sociedad and Marseille have progressed positively, with both parties now close to completing the remaining formalities of the transfer.

The proposed agreement will see Aguerd return to the Basque club on loan, while Real Sociedad will also have an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the loan spell.

Importantly, however, the purchase option is understood to be non-obligatory, meaning Real Sociedad will not be automatically required to sign the defender permanently once the loan period expires.

The structure of the agreement gives the Spanish club an opportunity to assess Aguerd over the course of the season before making a final decision on his long-term future.

Before the transfer can be officially announced, Aguerd must undergo the obligatory medical examinations.

The medical assessment is expected to be particularly significant given the fitness concerns that have surrounded the Moroccan defender following recent setbacks.

Real Sociedad will want to establish that the 30-year-old is physically ready to return to competitive football and that there are no lingering issues that could affect his availability throughout the season.

Once the medical tests have been successfully completed, the remaining administrative procedures are expected to be finalised before Real Sociedad formally announce the defender’s return.

Aguerd’s medical will therefore represent one of the final steps in a transfer that has been progressing steadily between the two clubs.

The move is also being driven by Aguerd’s desire to return to Real Sociedad.

The Moroccan defender already has a relationship with the club, having previously represented the Basque side, and his willingness to wear the club’s colours again has played an important role in the negotiations.

Aguerd is believed to be keen on returning to an environment where he is familiar with the club, the league and the demands of Spanish football.

For Real Sociedad, bringing back a player who already understands the club’s philosophy could also help reduce the adaptation period normally associated with a new signing.

The coaching staff are hopeful that a return to familiar surroundings can help Aguerd rediscover the level of performance that made him one of Morocco’s most highly regarded defenders.

Real Sociedad see Aguerd’s arrival as an important addition to their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

The club are preparing for changes within their squad and are assessing the future of several players in the defensive department.

Aguerd’s arrival would therefore give the coaching staff another experienced option at centre-back while also providing greater competition for places.

His physical presence, aerial ability, defensive reading and experience at international and European level could make him an important component of Real Sociedad’s plans.

The club are also expected to use the summer transfer window to reshape their defensive structure, with indications that they do not intend to continue relying on some of the players currently within the squad.

Aguerd’s potential return would consequently come at an important moment as Real Sociedad attempt to build a more reliable and competitive defensive unit for the 2026/27 campaign.

From Marseille’s perspective, the loan agreement provides an opportunity to facilitate Aguerd’s departure while allowing both the player and the club to determine the next step in his career.

The French side will retain control over the player’s contractual situation during the loan period, while the non-mandatory purchase option gives Real Sociedad the opportunity to decide whether a permanent transfer makes sense at the end of the season.

The arrangement could therefore benefit all parties, provided Aguerd can maintain his fitness and rediscover his best form.

For the Moroccan international, the move represents an opportunity to relaunch his career in a familiar environment and regain consistency after recent difficulties.

Aguerd has previously demonstrated his quality at the highest level, both with his clubs and with the Morocco national team.

His experience with Morocco has made him an important figure in the national team’s defensive setup, while his club career has taken him through different stages of European football.

A return to Real Sociedad could provide the stability and confidence needed for him to regain his best form.

The Spanish club, meanwhile, will be hoping that the defender can reproduce the qualities he displayed during his previous spell and become a dependable leader at the heart of their defence.

With negotiations now reportedly at an advanced stage, the remaining obstacle is the completion of his medical examination and the final administrative procedures.

Aguerd is expected to undergo the medical tests in the coming days. If he passes successfully, Real Sociedad should then be in a position to officially confirm his return.

He is expected to become Real Sociedad’s first signing of the 2026/27 season, marking the beginning of what both the player and club hope will be a successful reunion.