Mercato OM: Nayef Aguerd tempted, Marseille push for a defensive rock

The final days of the transfer window are always fertile ground for suspenseful sagas, and Nayef Aguerd’s could well be the climax for Marseille. According to the Spanish press, the West Ham centre-back is now very close to Olympique de Marseille. His decision to refuse to play against Nottingham this weekend confirmed one thing: his mind is no longer in London; it’s already at the Vélodrome.

Won over by Marseille’s project

At 29, Aguerd wants to return to Ligue 1, where he made his mark with Stade Rennais. OM offers him the perfect setting: a leading role in defence, the chance to play the Champions League against giants like Liverpool or Real Madrid, and a clear sporting project led by Roberto De Zerbi. Persuaded by Longoria and Benatia, the Moroccan has given the green light. The deal now seems more on track than ever.

Silverware and European experience

Nayef Aguerd is no ordinary player. Developed at FUS Rabat, he climbed the ranks with Dijon then Rennes before crossing the Channel. At West Ham, he lifted the Europa Conference League in 2023 and went up against the most fearsome Premier League forwards every weekend. With more than 55 caps for the national team, he has established himself as a mainstay of the Atlas Lions, AFCON finalists and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.

West Ham are still holding out… but for how long?

For the Hammers, this departure is a real blow. Aguerd remained a pillar of the centre-back pairing, and David Moyes was still counting on him. But the player’s will has carried a lot of weight, to the point of pushing the London hierarchy to enter serious talks. One question remains: the price. This summer, West Ham hoped for €20 to €30 million. The end of the window and the pressure applied by Aguerd could lead to a compromise.

A crucial addition for OM

In Marseille, they haven’t forgotten the defensive frailties at the start of the season. Injuries, individual errors and a lack of leaders at the back have sometimes proved costly. With Aguerd, OM would be getting not only a defender strong in duels and formidable in the air, but also a player comfortable building from the back. Exactly the profile De Zerbi is looking for to stabilise his system.

The Vélodrome is already waiting

Picture the scene: Aguerd, clad in white and blue, marshalling the Olympian backline in a heated Olympico or a Champions League night against Liverpool. The fans can’t wait to get behind this Moroccan rock. After Zirkzee, Douglas Luiz, Hamed Junior Traoré and Emerson Palmieri, OM could pull off another blockbuster move, with only 48 hours left before the window closes.

Team OM: do you approve of Nayef Aguerd’s arrival? Do you see the Moroccan as the boss of our defence for the coming seasons? Fire up the debate!