OM : Nayef Aguerd, the leader who can transform Marseille’s defense

A signing that changes everything at the back

With Nayef Aguerd, Marseille didn’t just recruit a defender — they secured a leader. At 29, the Moroccan international arrives with experience from Rennes, West Ham, and Real Sociedad, bringing exactly what the OM back line has been missing: authority, speed, and intelligence. For Roberto De Zerbi, this is more than a reinforcement; it’s a guarantee. Negotiated around €23 million, the transfer already feels like one of the smartest moves of the summer.

A path built step by step

Aguerd’s story is one of perseverance. Formed at the FUS of Rabat, he was first doubted before proving himself under the eye of Nasser Larguet, architect of the Mohammed VI Academy. From Dijon to Rennes, he rose steadily, until West Ham opened the doors of the Premier League. A loan to Real Sociedad confirmed his ability to adapt and lead in a new league. Everywhere, he has established himself as a pillar — not flashy, but indispensable.

Leader of Morocco’s defense

With the Atlas Lions, Aguerd has become the natural successor to Romain Saïss. Calm in his interventions, sharp in his positioning, dominant in duels, he embodies the kind of defensive serenity that spreads through an entire team. His presence during the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup reassured a nation, cementing his reputation as a cornerstone of Moroccan football.

Fixing OM’s biggest weakness

Marseille’s recurring flaw in recent years has been defending space in behind. Playing high requires speed, anticipation, and authority — all things that Aguerd excels at. His ability to read runs, intervene without excess, and win races against strikers gives De Zerbi the missing piece to balance his high-risk, high-reward system. Next to profiles like Balerdi or Medina, his intelligence and calm presence can transform a fragile defense into a wall.

A deal at the right price

Real Sociedad wanted to keep him. Real Madrid even considered him. But the €35 million option set by West Ham seemed too steep for La Liga clubs. OM played the waiting game and struck at €23 million — a significant but justified investment for a defender in his prime. Strong, consistent, and rarely injured, Aguerd offers immediate performance and medium-term security. In today’s volatile market, that’s a calculated bet.

A versatile, complete profile

Left-footed, he is comfortable as the left center-back in a back four, but equally efficient in a back three, or even as an emergency left-back. His distribution — long diagonals, clean build-up passes — adds a new weapon for Marseille. De Zerbi will demand tempo and precision, but with Aguerd’s technical base and adaptability, the potential is high.

Reliability and ambition

Beyond the tactical fit, Aguerd embodies reliability. No recurring injuries, an impeccable lifestyle, and a straightforward mentality make him the type of professional who stabilizes a squad. He doesn’t come to Marseille to simply add depth — he comes to anchor the defense, set standards, and push OM forward.

The first few matchdays showed OM’s fragility. With Aguerd, alongside Pavard, Medina, or Balerdi, the defense could finally evolve into a true fortress. For the fans, his arrival is more than a signing: it’s a symbol that Marseille is serious again, ready to defend with strength, and to dream with ambition.