Nayef Aguerd returns to Real Sociedad on loan from Olympique de Marseille | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have re-signed Nayef Aguerd on loan from Olympique de Marseille, bringing the 30-year-old centre-back back to San Sebastián. Diario Vasco reports that he shone in the first half of 2024/25 before injury halted his momentum.

Left-footed and authoritative, Aguerd is valued for breaking presses with mid and long-range passing. Head coach Matarazzo will look to harness those qualities.

Developed at Kenitra AC and the Mohammed VI Academy, he won the 2015-16 Botola with FUS Rabat, then moved to Dijon and Rennes for around €5 million. West Ham signed him for €35 million in 2022 and he was part of their 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League-winning squad.

After Robin Le Normand’s exit, Real took him on a €2 million loan in August 2024 and he debuted against Real Madrid before quickly earning a starting role. He made 35 appearances, but a knee injury in April 2025 at the Bernabéu in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg limited him to two of the last 13 matches.

Marseille bought him from West Ham for €23 million in September 2025 on a contract to 2030 to meet financial fair play, and he made 32 appearances last term across club and country. Surgery for chronic groin pain on 12 March 2026 ruled him out of the World Cup, and with Marseille missing the Champions League he prioritised San Sebastián despite interest from Al-Sadd.

An established Morocco international, he played every minute of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, then withdrew days before the 2026 World Cup opener against Brazil at the New York New Jersey Stadium and was replaced by Marwane Saadane. He now aims to steady a young defence alongside Jon Martín, Jon Pacheco, Jon Balda and Igor Zubeldia.

Source: Diario Vasco

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