Rabat – Stade Rennais are reportedly attempting to bring Morocco international Nayef Aguerd back to the club during the summer transfer window, although the proposed move faces significant financial and sporting obstacles.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Rennes have expressed strong interest in Aguerd, who previously represented the Brittany club between 2020 and 2022.
However, no agreement or formal transfer has been announced by Rennes or Olympique de Marseille, meaning the possibility of a return remains at an exploratory stage.
The most immediate difficulty concerns a release clause in Aguerd’s Marseille contract. The clause reportedly allows another club to sign the defender for approximately $17.2 million, but the full payment must be made in one installment before the provision expires on July 31.
The dollar amount is based on the IMF’s July 30 exchange rate. Once the clause expires, Marseille would reportedly be free to demand a higher transfer fee.
Aguerd remains under contract with Marseille until June 2030. He joined the club from West Ham United in 2025 and made 25 appearances across all competitions during his first season, which was disrupted by physical problems.
Marseille’s defensive situation adds uncertainty
Rennes’ pursuit is also complicated by possible departures elsewhere in Marseille’s defence.
Argentina international Facundo Medina is reportedly interested in joining Bayer Leverkusen, which has intensified negotiations with Marseille. Leonardo Balerdi has also received approaches from Italian clubs, according to the same report.
Losing one or both defenders could make Marseille less willing to allow Aguerd to leave, even though his contractual clause limits the club’s control until the July 31 deadline.
Marseille coach Bruno Genesio has publicly spoken about the importance of maintaining stability and retaining an experienced core, while acknowledging that the club’s financial position could lead to squad changes.
A return to Rennes would take Aguerd back to a club where he established himself as one of Ligue 1’s leading defenders.
The 30-year-old joined Rennes from Dijon in August 2020 and made 80 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals, before moving to West Ham in 2022.
His familiarity with Rennes and French football could make him an attractive option, but the club would need to act quickly to benefit from the current clause.
