Mercato OM: Nayef Aguerd, total agreement — the Moroccan rock expected at the Vélodrome

A priority deal finally done

For weeks, Roberto De Zerbi had been calling for reinforcements to shore up an overly fragile backline. After CJ Egan-Riley and Facundo Medina, OM needed an experienced leader capable of bringing calm and leadership. That’s now done with Aguerd, a Morocco international with 55 caps, well accustomed to major competitions.

According to Santi Aouna (Foot Mercato), all parties have reached an agreement: “TOTAL agreement found between OM, West Ham and Nayef Aguerd. Five-year contract, transfer estimated at €21–23m including bonuses.” Initially expected as early as Sunday night in Marignane, the player will now arrive on Monday for his medical and the official signing.

An already well-stocked résumé

Trained at FUS Rabat, Aguerd made his mark in Ligue 1 with Dijon and especially Rennes, where he was one of the league’s best defenders. In 2022, he took the step up to the Premier League with West Ham, where he played in the Premier League and lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023. Last season, he also shone in La Liga during his loan at Real Sociedad (36 matches).

Strong in duels, reliable in his positioning, and equipped with good distribution, Aguerd is the ideal profile to stabilize Marseille’s central defense. A natural left-footer, he could form a complementary partnership with Balerdi or Egan-Riley while mentoring the club’s younger players.

A vital reinforcement after Lyon

The timing couldn’t be better. After Sunday night’s painful defeat to Lyon, marked by defensive lapses and a center-back pairing that looked too fragile, OM needed a strong signal. Aguerd’s imminent arrival sends a clear message: De Zerbi wants to build a solid unit to take on Ligue 1 and, above all, the Champions League.

With Emerson Palmieri already announced, OM have landed back-to-back experienced signings from West Ham, enough to reassure a defensive unit in serious difficulty.

A well-managed financial deal

In a market often inflated for center-backs, securing Aguerd for around €23m is seen as a savvy piece of business. The player is committing until 2030, a sign of mutual confidence between the Moroccan and the club. For Longoria and Benatia, it’s also a bet on long-term stability.

The Vélodrome awaits its new stalwart

The Marseille faithful are just waiting for the official announcement and Aguerd’s first strides in the white shirt. After Drogba, Benatia, and even Hakim Ziyech—who was at one time linked with OM—another big name of Moroccan football is coming to the Vélodrome.

So, Team OM, convinced by this massive signing? Do you see Aguerd as the defensive leader we’ve been waiting for for months?