Stade Rennais are attempting to bring defender Nayef Aguerd back to Roazhon Park, but a tight deadline and the terms of his release clause are making the deal extremely difficult to complete.
The Brittany club want to strengthen their defence before the new season and have moved for their former centre-back, according to Foot Mercato. Aguerd, now 30, played for Rennes between 2020 and 2022 before leaving for England and remains highly regarded within the club.
Rennes see the Morocco international as an ideal recruit: an experienced defender who already knows the environment, the league and the demands of the club, and who could slot straight into the team.
However, negotiations are complicated by the structure of his release clause. Aguerd can leave his current club for €15m, but that amount must be paid in a single instalment, leaving little room for flexibility in talks.
Time pressure on Rennes hierarchy
The situation is further complicated by the timing of the clause. It is understood the €15m option expires on 31 July, giving Rennes only a brief window in which to act if they wish to secure the defender under those conditions.
This countdown significantly restricts the club’s room for manoeuvre and forces the Rennes hierarchy to make rapid decisions over whether they can commit to such a financial outlay in one payment.
Between the financial demands and the looming deadline, the operation is being described as a real headache for the Ligue 1 side. Unless there is a swift breakthrough or a change in the terms of the deal, a return to Brittany for Aguerd remains, at this stage, a highly complex prospect rather than an imminent transfer.
Contract and valuation
The coming weeks are likely to be crucial for Aguerd’s future. His market value is currently estimated at €15m by Transfermarkt, in line with the sum set in his release clause.
Aguerd is under contract with OM until 30 June 2030, tying him to the club on a long-term deal. In France, he earns an annual salary of €4,910,000 (3,191,500,000 FCFA), a figure that will also be a factor for any club looking to secure his services.
Rennes, who remember the impact he made during his previous spell at Roazhon Park, have made their interest clear. But with the cost fixed, the fee payable up front, and the clause due to lapse at the end of July, the Ligue 1 side must now decide whether they can overcome the major obstacle that stands between them and a reunion with their former defender.
