Qatari side Al-Sadd have ended their interest in Olympique de Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd after refusing to meet the €15 million release clause written into the Morocco international’s contract.
The Doha-based club held negotiations with Marseille regarding the 30-year-old centre-back, who endured an injury-disrupted campaign at the Vélodrome last season. However, Al-Sadd were unable to finance the fixed fee required to secure the defender’s release.
Camara proposal rejected
In an attempt to structure a deal below the buy-out figure, Al-Sadd explored the possibility of including former AS Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara in the transfer. These proposals failed to convince Marseille, who remain insistent on receiving the full clause amount for the Moroccan.
The collapse of the talks leaves Aguerd at Marseille for the time being, though his long-term future in France remains uncertain.
Financial pressure mounts
Marseille’s need to sell extends beyond sporting considerations. The club avoided an immediate ban from European competition following a UEFA financial review, but the governing body has mandated that the Ligue 1 outfit must balance their books this summer to prevent exclusion from continental tournaments next season.
This directive transforms player sales from optional recruitment strategy into operational necessity. Aguerd, with his clearly defined valuation, represents one of the more straightforward assets for the club to liquidate.
What happens next
With Al-Sadd withdrawing from the race, Aguerd’s camp may seek alternative suitors capable of meeting the €15m asking price. Marseille officials are understood to be open to offers for multiple squad members as they work to satisfy UEFA’s financial fair play requirements before the window closes.