Bundesliga interest grows in Nayef Aguerd amid Marseille competition | OneFootball

Last summer, Aguerd was on the lookout for a fresh start following a difficult spell at West Ham United.

Though clubs such as Porto, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, Wolfsburg, and Al-Ittihad explored the possibility of signing him, it was Real Sociedad that eventually secured the 29-year-old on a season-long paid loan, without a purchase option, just before the transfer window closed.

Brought in to replace Robin Le Normand, who left for Atlético, Aguerd made 36 appearances across all competitions (34 starts), proving to be a reliable presence in defence until an injury late in the season sidelined him.

Now, with his loan ending and no option to buy in place, Aguerd’s future is once again uncertain, and highly coveted.

Bayer Leverkusen among leading candidates

According to reports from Foot Mercato, Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen have made Aguerd a defensive priority this summer. With Champions League football on the horizon and potential departures in their own back line, the Moroccan international, who already has Bundesliga suitors from past windows, is seen as an ideal reinforcement.

But competition will be stiff. Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille have placed Aguerd at the top of their transfer shortlist. The French side, also headed to the Champions League, value his experience in Ligue 1 with Dijon and Rennes, and are pushing hard to bring him back to France.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad would like to retain him permanently, and Atlético Madrid, who tried to sign him last summer, remain in the picture.

West Ham set for payday?

Aguerd remains under contract with West Ham until June 2027, and the Premier League club is expected to demand a fee in the region of €15–20 million. That price tag, combined with strong interest from clubs across Spain, France, and Germany, gives the Hammers leverage heading into the summer window.

For Bundesliga watchers, Bayer Leverkusen’s interest could make this one of the more intriguing transfer battles of the summer, especially if other German clubs reignite their interest from last year.