Real Sociedad Nears Loan Deal for Marseille Defender Nayef Aguerd Subject to Medical
Moroccan center-back Nayef Aguerd is poised for a La Liga return as Real Sociedad finalizes a loan agreement with Olympique Marseille. The transfer hinges on a critical physical assessment following a high-value move to France last summer.
Key takeaways
- Real Sociedad and Olympique Marseille have reached a preliminary loan agreement for defender Nayef Aguerd.
- The deal includes a non-obligatory purchase clause, allowing the Spanish club flexibility for the future.
- Aguerd must pass a mandatory medical exam to resolve physical fitness concerns before the transfer is finalized.
Medical Clearance Becomes Final Hurdle for Aguerd
Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd is on the verge of joining Real Sociedad, marking a return to the Spanish top flight. According to reports from the Spanish outlet Marca, the Olympique Marseille defender is set to become the first major acquisition for the San Sebastian club this summer. While the structural details of the move are largely settled, the player must first navigate a comprehensive medical examination to address lingering questions regarding his physical status.
Deal Framework and Interest
The proposed arrangement consists of a loan deal from Marseille, where Aguerd relocated last season in a 23-million-euro transfer. Negotiators from both clubs are currently finalizing the specific fee and the terms of a non-obligatory purchase option. Real Sociedad sporting director Erik Bretos reportedly authorized the move despite initial reservations about the player's durability. Before this breakthrough with Sociedad, Aguerd attracted significant attention from other markets, including interest from Ligue 1 side Rennes and lucrative offers from Gulf clubs like Qatar's Al-Sadd.
Key Facts
- The transfer is structured as a loan with a non-mandatory option to buy.
- Aguerd joined Olympique Marseille just one year ago for a reported 23 million euros.
- Real Sociedad sporting director Erik Bretos approved the pursuit despite concerns over the player's physical condition.
- The defender previously had a 15-million-euro release clause at his former club Rennes.
- Medical tests remain the final obstacle before the official signing.
What Happens Next
Aguerd is expected to undergo standardized health screenings to verify his fitness levels. Once he receives medical clearance, the clubs will formalize the paperwork, allowing the defender to integrate into the Real Sociedad squad for the upcoming La Liga campaign. Failure to pass these tests could jeopardize the agreement, as the San Sebastian side requires immediate defensive reinforcement.
Source: Goal.com
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