Rabat – Nayef Aguerd has addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future after his proposed return to Real Sociedad collapsed at the final stage of negotiations.
The Morocco international confirmed that he had seriously considered returning to the Spanish club. However, he explained that discussions with Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo changed the situation, particularly over his gradual return to full fitness.
Aguerd also rejected reports suggesting that a medical problem was responsible for the collapse of the transfer. He insisted that his medical examination was completed successfully and that the situation was instead linked to the timetable for his return to competitive football.
Aguerd’s first spell at Real Sociedad
The latest episode comes less than two years after Aguerd first joined Real Sociedad.
In August 2024, the defender moved to the Basque club on loan from West Ham United for the 2024-25 season. The move gave Aguerd his first opportunity to play professional football in Spain after two seasons in the Premier League.
His time in San Sebastian proved successful. Aguerd quickly established himself as an important player in the Real Sociedad defense. He gained the trust of coach Imanol Alguacil and became a regular starter when available.
His performances also strengthened his relationship with the club and its supporters. That positive spell eventually led Real Sociedad to consider bringing him back during the 2026 summer transfer window.
After completing his loan spell, Aguerd returned to West Ham before joining Marseille permanently in September 2025. His successful season in San Sebastian, however, kept the door open for a possible return to Real Sociedad.
Marseille win the race for Aguerd
Aguerd’s future was eventually decided in the final hours of the 2025 summer transfer window.
After his return to West Ham, Marseille pushed to sign the Moroccan defender. The French club had already been interested in him and eventually reached an agreement with West Ham.
Marseille officially signed Aguerd in September 2025 on a five-year contract. The transfer was reportedly worth around €23 million.
The move brought Aguerd back to Ligue 1, where he had previously played for Rennes.
His career had already taken him from Dijon to Rennes, then to West Ham, Real Sociedad and Marseille. The defender had also become an established member of Morocco’s national team and played an important role during the Atlas Lions’ historic 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Real Sociedad wanted him back
Real Sociedad’s interest returned during the 2026 summer transfer window.
The Spanish club saw Aguerd as a familiar option for the defense after his successful previous spell. Reports indicated that Marseille and Real Sociedad eventually reached an agreement for another loan, this time with a potential purchase option.
The transfer appeared close to completion.
Aguerd underwent a medical examination as part of the process, and the deal seemed to be moving toward an official announcement.
However, the situation changed after discussions about his fitness and return-to-play plan.
The issue was his return to football
Aguerd explained that he had been following a progressive return-to-play program after recovering from a pubic injury that required surgery in March 2026.
The injury had already affected his plans for the summer and prevented him from taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Morocco. Reports later indicated that he was still completing the final stages of his recovery when Real Sociedad began working on his return.
According to Aguerd, his medical examination itself did not reveal a problem.
Instead, the disagreement concerned how quickly he should return to full competition.
Aguerd said he wanted to respect the gradual process recommended for his recovery. The objective was to rebuild his fitness step by step and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
However, the coaching staff wanted a player who could be available immediately at the start of the season.
That difference ultimately played a major role in the collapse of the transfer.
‘There was therefore no medical problem’
Aguerd directly addressed the reports surrounding his medical condition.
“There was therefore no medical problem,” the Morocco international explained.
He said the medical examination went perfectly and was validated by both clubs.
The defender instead described his position as a responsible decision designed to protect his body after his recent injury.
He also stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as a lack of respect for Real Sociedad or anyone involved in the negotiations.
For Aguerd, the priority was to complete his recovery properly and make sure he could handle the demands of an entire season.
Aguerd remains committed to Marseille
Despite the failed move, Aguerd did not rule out further changes before the transfer window closes.
The defender acknowledged that Marseille are dealing with financial considerations and that the situation could still evolve in the coming days.
However, he made his immediate position clear.
“As long as I wear this shirt, I will give everything,” Aguerd said.
The statement represents a clear commitment to Marseille while he remains part of the squad.
For now, the Morocco international is therefore expected to continue his career with the French club, although his future could still attract attention before the transfer window shuts.
His proposed return to Real Sociedad may have fallen through, but the relationship between the player and the Spanish club remains an important part of the story.
Aguerd’s first spell in San Sebastian was one of the reasons Real Sociedad wanted him back. This time, however, his physical recovery and the club’s expectations over his immediate availability prevented the reunion from happening.
