Nayef Aguerd has rejected a transfer to Real Sociedad despite advanced negotiations between the clubs, reportedly abandoning the switch after holding discussions with the Spanish side’s manager. The decision leaves Olympique de Marseille scrambling to locate an alternative buyer as they attempt to ease significant financial constraints.
The Moroccan centre-back had travelled to undergo medical examinations with the Basque club, with sources indicating that these procedures were completed successfully. Marseille and Real Sociedad had previously reached a comprehensive agreement regarding the transfer. However, the deal collapsed following a decisive conversation between Aguerd and Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Manager Talks Trigger U-Turn
The American coach is understood to have influenced the defender’s decision during their exchange, although specific details of the discussion have not been disclosed. Matarazzo appears to have persuaded the 30-year-old against finalising the move, prompting Aguerd to withdraw from the transfer despite the advanced stage of proceedings.
This development marks the second high-profile rejection to frustrate Marseille’s recruitment strategy in recent days. Midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg recently declined a proposed move to Newcastle United, similarly disrupting the French club’s plans to streamline their squad and generate essential revenue.
Squad Clear-Out Stalls
The collapse of Aguerd’s transfer represents a significant operational setback for Marseille’s hierarchy, who are actively seeking to reduce wage expenditure. The Ligue 1 club faces pressing financial limitations that necessitate player sales during the current window to balance their books and complete their summer restructuring.
Aguerd now finds himself in professional limbo as the club must return to the negotiating table to identify alternative destinations for his services. With roughly two and a half weeks remaining before the window closes, Marseille face a race against time to secure the defender’s exit and alleviate their economic burden.