Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd has addressed the collapsed loan move from Olympique de Marseille to La Liga side Real Sociedad. In a post on Instagram, Aguerd stated he passed the medical examination without any issues but deemed the club’s imposed recovery protocol too risky.
No medical concerns, but recovery protocol deemed unsafe
Aguerd’s statement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding his potential transfer to Real Sociedad. The 28-year-old defender confirmed he faced no problems during the medical tests required by the Spanish club. However, he emphasized that the recovery protocol imposed by Real Sociedad was a key factor in the deal’s collapse. "I had no issues with the medical exam," Aguerd wrote in his post. "But the recovery protocol they wanted me to follow was too risky for my future health." His decision highlights the importance of post-injury rehabilitation standards in professional football.
Transfer saga ends with Aguerd staying at Marseille
The failed transfer marks another setback for Real Sociedad, which had reportedly agreed terms with Marseille for Aguerd’s loan. The Moroccan international will now remain at the Stade Vélodrome for the foreseeable future, as both clubs failed to reach a compromise on recovery protocols. Aguerd’s statement also dismissed rumors suggesting personal motives or disrespect toward either club. "This was never about a whim or a lack of respect," he clarified. "My priority is my health and my career." For Marseille, the situation reinforces the challenges of balancing player fitness with transfer negotiations. The club may now focus on reinforcing its defensive options domestically or exploring alternative loan deals.
Fréderic Manet · 16 août 2026 · 2 min de lecture
