Olympique de Marseille are close to reaching an agreement with Al Sadd over a deal for Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd, as the French club continue efforts to reduce their wage bill and improve their financial position.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Al Sadd are expected to pay €4m to take the 30-year-old on loan, with an automatic purchase option worth a further €11m. The proposed agreement would represent an important step towards a transfer that Olympique de Marseille’s board wants to complete quickly.
Al Sadd must still agree personal terms with Aguerd, who has won 64 caps for Morocco, including the salary he would receive in Qatar.
Olympique de Marseille have been exploring ways to cut their wage costs after being forced to sell several players in an attempt to balance their budget. Aguerd, who only joined the club one year ago, has been regarded as one of the players who could leave during the current summer transfer window.
The centre-back remains under contract with Olympique de Marseille until 2030. A specific clause was included in his agreement when he signed for the club, allowing him to depart for €15m paid in a single instalment until 31 July.
That opportunity was ultimately not taken up, despite Aguerd continuing to attract significant interest.
Stade Rennais, where Aguerd played between 2020 and 2022, were particularly keen to bring him back. However, the club were unable to make progress in their attempt to sign the defender.
Al Sadd have now moved ahead in the race after maintaining their interest in Aguerd for several weeks. Foot Mercato reports that the Qatari club are on the verge of agreeing terms with Olympique de Marseille on the proposed loan arrangement, which would include the automatic €11m purchase option.
The structure of the deal reflects a change in Olympique de Marseille’s position. The club’s initial preference had been to secure a permanent transfer for Aguerd, which would have provided immediate cash to help address its financial pressures.
However, difficulties in the transfer market have led the French side to accept a loan deal with an obligation to buy instead. The arrangement would give Olympique de Marseille an initial payment of €4m, with the €11m purchase fee to follow under the agreed conditions.
The final outstanding stage is for Al Sadd and Aguerd to reach an agreement over his contract. If those personal terms are settled, the Morocco international will leave Olympique de Marseille after just one season and continue his career in Qatar.
