Nayef Aguerd has rejected reports that a medical problem prevented his transfer from Olympique de Marseille to Real Sociedad, saying the examinations he completed were successful and approved by both clubs.
The Morocco defender said the disagreement centred instead on how quickly he should return to competitive football after spending time out of action.
Writing on his social media accounts, Aguerd said the medical tests carried out before the proposed move to Real Sociedad “went well” and received approval from both sides. He added that there had been no concern about his health and that the issue was related to the timetable for his return to full competition.
Aguerd, who has won 59 international caps, recently underwent surgery in the groin area. He explained that he wanted to make a gradual comeback so he could rebuild his fitness fully and reduce the risk of returning before he was ready.
However, Real Sociedad’s coaching staff, led by Pellegrino Matarazzo, wanted to be able to use the defender immediately. The difference between the player’s preferred recovery programme and the club’s expectations ultimately caused the transfer talks to break down.
Aguerd said the disagreement was a matter of approach rather than a personal dispute. He stressed that he respected Matarazzo’s position and insisted that neither a medical concern nor a conflict between the parties was responsible for the collapse of the negotiations.
Reports in the Spanish media had suggested that Aguerd had encountered a physical problem during his medical examination, but the 59-cap international disputed that account. According to the defender, the discussions were limited to agreeing a suitable protocol that would allow him to regain his fitness progressively and safely.
The proposed move would have taken Aguerd back to a club he has represented before. He was keen to make clear that his decision should not be viewed as a criticism of Real Sociedad, for whom he retains considerable respect.
Instead, the Marseille defender said he had acted responsibly, with the aim of protecting his physical condition throughout the season. His priority was to ensure that his return to action was managed properly rather than rushing into competitive football before he had recovered completely.
Aguerd also reaffirmed his commitment to Olympique de Marseille. He said he understood the club’s financial situation and recognised that changes could still take place before the transfer window closed.
Despite that uncertainty, he pledged to continue giving his maximum effort while he remains a Marseille player. He said he would keep defending the club’s colours and representing his team-mates and supporters for as long as he stayed at the French club.
