Olympique de Marseille are close to agreeing a deal with Al Sadd for Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd, in a move that would help the French club reduce its wage bill and improve its financial position.
The proposed arrangement would see Al Sadd pay €4m to take the 30-year-old on loan, with an automatic purchase option worth a further €11m, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
The Qatari club must still reach an agreement with Aguerd over his salary before the transfer can be completed. Al Sadd have been interested in the Morocco international for several weeks and are now understood to have moved ahead in negotiations.
Olympique de Marseille are keen to conclude the deal quickly as they continue to search for ways to lower their financial commitments. The club had initially hoped to secure an outright sale, which would have provided an immediate injection of cash, but difficulties in the transfer market have led them to accept a loan agreement with a purchase arrangement instead.
Aguerd only joined Olympique de Marseille a year ago and remains under contract until 2030. However, the defender was among the players the club was prepared to let leave during the current summer transfer window as Marseille attempt to balance their budget.
A specific clause was included when his contract was signed. Until 31 July, Aguerd could have departed Olympique de Marseille for a fixed fee of €15m, payable in a single instalment. That opportunity was ultimately not taken up, although the 30-year-old continued to attract significant interest.
Stade Rennais, where Aguerd played between 2020 and 2022, were particularly keen to bring him back. The club, however, failed to make progress in its attempt to complete the transfer.
Al Sadd have now emerged as the club closest to securing his services. The proposed €4m loan fee, followed by an automatic €11m purchase option, represents a compromise for Marseille after their preference for a permanent transfer was not realised.
The final stage of the move will depend on personal terms being agreed between Aguerd and Al Sadd. The defender has won 64 international caps for Morocco.
Marseille’s efforts to reshape their squad and finances have already included the sale of several players to help restore balance to their budget. Aguerd’s possible departure is part of the same wider process, despite the relatively short time he has spent at the club and the long-term contract he signed.
