A major twist in the Nayef Aguerd saga. Although the Moroccan defender was on the verge of rejoining Real Sociedad, his return to the Basque Country will ultimately not happen. The agreement between the Spanish club and Olympique de Marseille was nearly finalised, and the player had even already undergone his medical examination.
A disagreement over the player's availability
The breakdown is said to have occurred during the final discussions surrounding Aguerd's physical condition. Having recently undergone pubic surgery — an injury that had notably kept him out of the 2026 World Cup — the defender was keen to return to action gradually. Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, on the other hand, is said to have insisted on being able to count on him quickly. This difference of opinion between the two parties ultimately proved enough to sink the deal.
The turn of events is all the more surprising given that everything appeared to be in order. Real Sociedad were set to welcome Aguerd on loan from Marseille, with a purchase option estimated at 11 M€ for a loan fee of around 4 M€. The Moroccan already knew the club perfectly well, having played there during the 2024-2025 season, which had made him a priority target to strengthen the Basque defence.
Real Sociedad forced to return to the market
For the Basque club, this U-turn now forces the management to resume their search for a central defender. Alternatives such as Ladislav Krejci and Nathan Zézé had already been considered before the Aguerd deal took precedence over them.
Aguerd's transfer window reopened
For the player, the situation remains completely open. The 30-year-old defender still belongs to Olympique de Marseille and will now have to find a new destination following this spectacular failure. A transfer that seemed virtually done and dusted has evaporated at the last moment: his transfer window is well and truly back on.
Stay tuned on FootReporter.
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