OM Transfer — Nayef Aguerd, a Moroccan rock to solidify the defense

OM lands a major defensive reinforcement: Nayef Aguerd joins on a deal running until 2030 for €23 million. The 29-year-old Moroccan international arrives from West Ham with an impressive résumé: Dijon, Rennes, a Premier League stint, and a strong season on loan at Real Sociedad. With 55 caps for Morocco and European experience, he brings immediate reliability to Roberto De Zerbi’s backline.

A long-time target finally secured

Chased for several weeks, Aguerd was also on Sunderland’s radar. But Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia accelerated in the final stretch to lock down the defender’s signature. The player, who has fond memories of his time at Dijon and Rennes, had never hidden his desire to return to Ligue 1. This time, the story continues in Marseille colors.

From West Ham to the Canebière: a mixed journey

Signed by the Hammers in 2022, Aguerd made a promising start, even lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023. But things got tougher: reduced playing time, increased competition, and eventually a loan move to Real Sociedad, where he bounced back with 36 appearances. His return to Ligue 1 follows a clear logic: to relaunch at the highest level and prepare for the 2026 World Cup with Morocco.

Why he’s a crucial signing for OM

From the start of the transfer window, defense was the No. 1 priority. After CJ Egan-Riley and Facundo Medina, Aguerd brings an extra layer: experience and leadership.

Strong in duels and comfortable building out from the back, he is the perfect profile to stabilize a defense that too often wavered last season. With the Champions League looming, De Zerbi was determined to secure his central axis — mission accomplished.

A statement of ambition

“Nayef Aguerd embodies another facet of modern football: a man of duty, discreet but essential, forged between courage and humility,” OM wrote in its press release. A sentence that perfectly sums up what the club expects: a player capable of holding the fort without noise, but always present in decisive moments.

What comes next?

With Aguerd, OM now has a solid quartet (Balerdi, Medina, Egan-Riley, Aguerd). The next step: finding the right chemistry and turning this depth into a true all-risks insurance policy. The challenge is massive, but the Moroccan’s arrival already sets the tone: OM wants to compete at the top in Ligue 1 and make its mark in Europe.

A rock at the Vélodrome

A major investment, but a clear message: OM is giving itself the means to match its ambitions. Nayef Aguerd arrives to bring security, serenity, and experience. Now it’s over to you, supporters: is this the defensive signing OM needed to ignite the Vélodrome and secure Europe? Your opinions matter — drop them in the comments. Allez l’OM!