Nayef Aguerd rejects Real Sociedad loan after medical in late U-turn | OneFootball

Nayef Aguerd has pulled out of a move to Real Sociedad at the last moment on Thursday night, despite a deal being agreed and the 30-year-old passing his medical.

According to L'Équipe, the Morocco international, under contract until 2030, had a €2m paid loan lined up with a €17m non-obligatory option after medical checks on Wednesday. He had approved the destination last week, having already played for the Basque club in 2024-25, and it appealed more than a switch to Al-Sadd. The reasons for his U-turn remain unclear.

Bruno Genesio, who coached Aguerd at Rennes in 2021-2022, appreciates the defender's character but recognises Marseille's economic realities and his lack of pre-season after rehab, and accepted he was unlikely to stay long. The club were surprised by his refusal, with offloading his 2026-27 salary considered important.

Aguerd was bought for €23m from West Ham late in the summer 2025 window and has proved difficult to move due to his wages and fitness record. A season back in a club and league he knows was seen as a chance to rebuild.

After beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 on Sunday, still without Aguerd, OM continue their tour of Spanish institutions. They host Atlético Madrid at the Vélodrome on Friday at 17:30, live on Ligue 1+. Diego Simeone is expected to bring a full squad, including returning World Cup finalists.

Source: L'Équipe

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