Nayef Aguerd has turned down the prospect of joining Qatari club Al Sadd, despite the club making official contact with Olympique de Marseille over a possible deal for the Morocco international.
The 30-year-old defender’s future is a major part of Olympique de Marseille’s transfer business this summer, with L’Equipe reporting that Al Sadd have approached the French club’s management to discuss a move.
Olympique de Marseille would demand €17m to allow Aguerd to leave. However, while Al Sadd’s interest is genuine, a move to the Qatar Stars League does not match the player’s current ambitions.
Aguerd does not want to move to Qatar at this stage of his career. His priority is to establish himself in an ambitious sporting project in Europe, a preference that has slowed the progress of negotiations with Al Sadd.
That decision has kept the defender on the radar of several European clubs. Stade Rennais, where Aguerd remains highly regarded after his spell with the club between 2020 and 2022, continue to monitor his situation closely.
A return to Brittany appears difficult to complete at present, but Stade Rennais’ directors remain attentive to developments surrounding the player. Aguerd’s desire to stay in Europe means the French club could remain involved if his circumstances change.
Aguerd is valued at €15m and remains under contract with Olympique de Marseille until the summer of 2030. Despite Al Sadd’s approach, there is therefore no indication that the defender is currently preparing to leave Europe.
The Morocco international’s position has narrowed the immediate options available to Olympique de Marseille. The club have set their own asking price at €17m, while the player’s preference is to continue his career within Europe rather than accept a move to Qatar.
Aguerd was born in Kenitra and spent two seasons with Stade Rennais from 2020 to 2022, a period that left him with a strong reputation among the club’s supporters and directors. That previous connection explains why Stade Rennais continue to follow the situation, even though a deal is not currently considered straightforward.
In France, Aguerd earns an annual salary of €4,910,000, equivalent to 3,191,500,000 FCFA.
For now, the defender’s priority is clear: remain in Europe and find a project capable of matching his sporting ambitions. Unless that position changes, Al Sadd’s interest is unlikely to lead to an agreement with Olympique de Marseille.
