Why Nayef Aguerd’s Real Sociedad move collapsed at the last minute

Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd’s proposed move from Marseille to Real Sociedad has dramatically collapsed after the transfer appeared to be virtually complete.

The Moroccan international had reportedly reached an understanding with the Spanish club and was keen to make the move to Anoeta, with only routine medical procedures left before the transfer could be finalised.

However, the deal fell apart at the final stage, with conflicting reports emerging over what caused the breakdown.

Aguerd’s camp points to fitness concerns

According to Mundo Deportivo, people close to Aguerd believe the decisive moment came during a conversation between the defender and Real Sociedad head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.

The American coach reportedly told Aguerd that he would be expected to perform at his best immediately and compete for a starting place because of the demanding fixture schedule facing Sociedad.

The club were preparing to play eight matches before the next international break, increasing the need for an immediate defensive solution.

Aguerd, however, was returning from a lengthy period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery in March for a persistent problem in the pubic area.

From the player’s perspective, meeting such intense physical demands without sufficient time to rebuild his match fitness was considered risky, leading him to halt the proposed transfer.

Real Sociedad have different explanation

The Spanish club’s version of events is considerably different.

Noticias de Gipuzkoa reports that medical concerns were at the centre of the disagreement.

Aguerd had undergone an initial medical examination in France under the supervision of Marseille’s medical staff, with the results subsequently sent to Real Sociedad.

The Basque club’s medical team reportedly had doubts about those findings and whether the defender, after several months out following surgery in the groin area, could return to competitive football without pain.

Sociedad were concerned that Aguerd’s current condition might prevent him from reaching the physical level required to compete at maximum intensity.

Sociedad urgently need defensive cover

Despite the disagreement over what caused the transfer to collapse, both accounts highlight the same underlying issue: Real Sociedad need defensive reinforcements immediately.

The club were not simply looking for a long-term investment. They wanted an experienced left-footed centre-back capable of strengthening the defence straight away.

Their options have been restricted by John Pacheco’s physical problems, leaving Sociedad with a limited group of central defenders.

Jon Martin, who is registered with the reserve team, Igor Zubeldia and the inexperienced Peytia are among the available options.

That shortage had made the signing of an experienced left-footed defender one of Sociedad’s major priorities throughout the summer.

For Aguerd, the collapse represents a dramatic end to a move that appeared almost certain to take the Morocco international back to Spain, while Sociedad must now return to the market in search of an immediate defensive solution.