Real Sociedad Secures Nayef Aguerd Return Following Marseille Loan Agreement

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