Rabat – Real Sociedad is set to bring Morocco international Nayef Aguerd back to the club after reaching an agreement with Olympique de Marseille over a season-long loan, according to reports in France and Spain.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that the two clubs have reached an agreement in principle, paving the way for the 30-year-old center-back to return to the Basque club, where he previously spent the 2024-2025 campaign.
Spanish newspaper AS subsequently reported that Real Sociedad will pay Marseille approximately $4.6 million for the one-year loan, with an option to sign Aguerd permanently for around $12.5 million at the end of the season.
Aguerd is expected to complete the remaining formalities, including a medical examination, before the move can be finalized.
Real Sociedad initially offered around $2.8 million for the loan, but Marseille rejected the proposal. The Spanish club then increased its offer, eventually reaching an agreement at approximately $4.6 million.
Aguerd’s desire to return to San Sebastián helped accelerate negotiations. The Moroccan defender had made Real Sociedad his preferred destination after learning of the club’s interest.
Return to familiar surroundings
Aguerd previously joined Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham United in August 2024. He became an important part of the Basque side’s defense, making 36 appearances across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League during the 2024-2025 season.
He returned to England following that loan before joining Marseille permanently in September 2025 in a transfer reportedly valued at around $26 million.
During his first season with the French club, Aguerd made 22 appearances across all competitions, including 16 in Ligue 1 and five in the Champions League.
His campaign was disrupted by a serious groin problem that eventually required surgery. Although Morocco initially included him in their squad for the 2026 World Cup, he was ruled out shortly before the tournament after failing to recover sufficient fitness.
Aguerd has since returned to preseason work with Marseille and is now in line for another spell in Spain.
Real Sociedad are preparing for their first full season under Pellegrino Matarazzo, who led the club to the Copa del Rey title last season and secured Europa League qualification before signing a contract extension until 2028.
