Nayef Aguerd could leave Olympique de Marseille this summer, with talks reportedly under way over a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Sadd.
According to Foot Mercato, Olympique de Marseille are discussing a loan deal for the Morocco defender that would include an automatic purchase option. Al Sadd are said to have expressed an interest in the former Rennes player and could pay an initial fee of €4m to take him to the Saudi Pro League.
The proposed agreement would also include a mandatory purchase clause. If the conditions of the deal are met, Al Sadd would be expected to pay a further €11m to complete Aguerd’s transfer.
The move would therefore be worth €15m in total if the option is triggered, although the reported structure would initially see Aguerd leave Marseille on loan.
Foot Mercato says Olympique de Marseille view the possible departure as part of a wider plan to “alleger sa masse salariale et ameliorer sa situation financiere”. The club are seeking to reduce their wage bill and improve their financial position, with Aguerd’s potential exit included in those plans.
No agreement has been confirmed, but discussions between the two clubs are understood to be continuing. The report does not indicate whether personal terms have been settled with Aguerd or whether a final decision has been made on the proposed transfer.
Aguerd joined Olympique de Marseille with the possibility of spending only one season at the club if the talks with Al Sadd lead to an agreement. Should he depart this summer, the Morocco international would leave after a single campaign in Marseille.
The defender’s possible move would represent a return to the Saudi Pro League, where Al Sadd are reportedly looking to secure his services. For Olympique de Marseille, the arrangement would provide an immediate loan fee while also offering the prospect of a larger transfer payment should the automatic purchase option be activated.
The reported figures are €4m for the loan and €11m for the subsequent purchase. Any transfer remains dependent on the discussions being completed and the terms of the arrangement being finalised.
