---
title: "Real Sociedad Secures Nayef Aguerd Return Following Marseille Loan Agreement"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/nayef-aguerd-real-sociedad-loan-return-marseille-rlnbn
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-08T20:30:00.000Z
modified: 2026-08-09T00:00:55.231Z
language: en-IN
---

# Real Sociedad Secures Nayef Aguerd Return Following Marseille Loan Agreement

The Moroccan international returns to San Sebastián to bolster a youthful defensive line after a stint in France. Despite competing interest from Al-Sadd, the center-back prioritized a La Liga return following his recovery from groin surgery.

## Key takeaways

- Nayef Aguerd has rejoined Real Sociedad on loan from Marseille, choosing Spain over a move to Al-Sadd.
- The 30-year-old left-footed defender is recognized for his press-breaking passing and tactical versatility.
- Aguerd was a member of West Ham's 2023 Europa Conference League-winning squad before moving to Ligue 1.
- The Moroccan international recently underwent surgery for chronic groin pain, missing the 2026 World Cup.

## The Return of the Left-Footed Specialist

Real Sociedad has finalized a loan deal to bring Nayef Aguerd back to the club from Olympique de Marseille. The 30-year-old defender previously established himself as a core component of the squad during the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, where Diario Vasco noted his significant impact before physical setbacks intervened. Known for his ability to bypass opposition pressure with precise mid and long-range distribution, Aguerd offers head coach Matarazzo a specific tactical profile currently missing from the backline.

## Injury Hurdles and Career Trajectory

Aguerd’s path back to Spain follows a complicated period defined by both elite performance and medical recovery. After West Ham United acquired him for €35 million in 2022—a tenure highlighted by a UEFA Europa Conference League title—he joined Real Sociedad on an initial €2 million loan in August 2024 to fill the void left by Robin Le Normand. His momentum stalled in April 2025 during a Copa del Rey semi-final at the Bernabéu, where a knee injury restricted his participation in the season's closing stages. Marseille eventually purchased Aguerd for €23 million in September 2025, but a groin operation in March 2026 and the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League paved the way for this move.

## Key Facts

- Aguerd won the 2015-16 Botola with FUS Rabat before moving to Europe via Dijon and Rennes for €5 million.
- The defender played every minute of Morocco's successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
- Chronic groin pain forced him to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup just days before the opener against Brazil.
- He will now mentor a defensive unit featuring Igor Zubeldia, Jon Pachecho, Jon Balda, and Jon Martín.

## Background

Developed at Kenitra AC and the Mohammed VI Academy, Aguerd has become a fixture for the Moroccan national team. His recent history includes 32 appearances for club and country last term. By choosing San Sebastián over a lucrative move to Al-Sadd, he rejoins a team where he previously made 35 appearances and earned an immediate starting role following his debut against Real Madrid.

Source: OneFootball

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/nayef-aguerd-real-sociedad-loan-return-marseille-rlnbn
Reported from: OneFootball