Key Points
- Nayef Aguerd has completed a permanent transfer from West Ham United to Olympique de Marseille.
- The Moroccan centre-back signed a five-year contract with Marseille, reportedly worth around €23 million.
- Aguerd joined West Ham in 2022 from Rennes for £30 million and made 61 appearances, including winning the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final.
- He spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Real Sociedad, making 36 appearances.
- Marseille sees Aguerd as a key defensive reinforcement under coach Roberto De Zerbi as they prepare for Champions League competition.
- This signing is part of Marseille’s larger defensive strengthening, with additional acquisitions including Facundo Medina (on loan) and Eganiley (free transfer from Burnley).
- West Ham officially confirmed the transfer and thanked Aguerd for his contributions during his three seasons at the club.
- Sunderland, AC Milan, and AS Roma had also shown interest, but Marseille secured the transfer.
- Aguerd brings experience, leadership, aerial strength, and set-piece threat to Marseille’s back line.
What is the significance of Nayef Aguerd’s permanent move to Marseille?
As reported by BBC Sport, West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd has finalised a permanent transfer to Olympique de Marseille. The 29-year-old Moroccan international, who joined West Ham in 2022 for £30 million from Rennes, completed his move to Marseille on a five-year deal after a loan spell at Real Sociedad last season where he made 36 appearances. Aguerd has made a total of 61 appearances for West Ham, including playing in their triumphant 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague.
This transfer culminates Marseille’s efforts to bolster their defence ahead of a crucial Champions League campaign under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. By investing approximately €23 million, Marseille have secured a leader with vast Ligue 1 experience from his earlier years at Rennes, as well as Premier League and La Liga experience, offering a blend of stability and aerial prowess to their defensive line.
How did West Ham and Marseille officially announce the transfer?
West Ham United officially confirmed the departure of Nayef Aguerd on 1 September 2025, thanking the Moroccan international for his contributions over three seasons. The club highlighted his 61 appearances and his involvement in the 2023 European final win. They also noted Aguerd’s loan spell at Real Sociedad in the 2024/25 season, marking the end of his tenure at West Ham as he joins Marseille on a permanent basis.
Olympique de Marseille announced the signing shortly thereafter, revealing the five-year contract deal and the significant €23 million fee. The club expressed confidence in the defender’s ability to help shore up their backline, indicating the signing was a major step in their transfer strategy focusing on defensive reinforcements.
What other clubs were interested in Aguerd before he chose Marseille?
As covered by Goal.com, other clubs including Sunderland, AC Milan, and AS Roma had shown interest in signing Aguerd during the summer transfer window. Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League, actively pursued Aguerd but faced stiff competition from Marseille, who could offer European football and a return to a league familiar to the defender from his time at Rennes.
Despite the multiple suitors, Marseille ultimately won the race, finalising the deal just before the transfer deadline, reflecting their clear intent to strengthen their squad for the demanding season ahead.
How does Aguerd fit into Marseille’s squad and defensive plans?
Marseille’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi is counting on Aguerd to bring leadership and stability to a defence that showed vulnerability in the first few matches of the season. Alongside Aguerd, Marseille has signed Facundo Medina on loan from Lens and Eganiley on a free transfer from Burnley, creating a reinforced defensive line. Though Medina remains sidelined with an injury expected to recover after the international break, Aguerd’s addition offers a seasoned presence at the heart of the defence.
Aguerd’s attributes are well-suited to Ligue 1 and European competition: strong aerial ability, defensive solidity alongside a threat on set pieces. With 55 caps for Morocco, his international experience further bolsters his profile as a key figure in Marseille’s ambitions.
What has been the journey of Nayef Aguerd before joining Marseille permanently?
Nayef Aguerd began his professional career in France with Rennes, earning over 100 appearances before a high-profile move to West Ham United in January 2022 for £30 million. At West Ham, he quickly established himself, contributing significantly over three seasons, including a pivotal role in their UEFA Europa Conference League success in 2023.
In the 2024/25 season, he was loaned to Real Sociedad in Spain’s La Liga, where he further demonstrated his consistency and defensive skills in 36 appearances. His return to the Premier League club was brief as Marseille secured his transfer, marking a return to Ligue 1 and a fresh chapter in his career.
What are the financial details and contract length of Aguerd’s transfer to Marseille?
The agreement between Marseille and West Ham is reportedly worth around €23 million, making it one of the most significant defensive signings for the Ligue 1 club this summer. Aguerd has committed to a five-year contract with Marseille until 2030, signalling the club’s long-term plans to stabilise and strengthen its defence.
How has the media covered Aguerd’s transfer and what statements have been made?
According to West Ham’s official statement on their website, the club expressed gratitude to Nayef Aguerd for his service, acknowledging his contributions to the team’s successes and wishing him the best for his future at Marseille.
Goal.com highlighted Marseille’s desire to bring in an experienced and versatile defender like Aguerd to improve their defensive ranks, noting that the club is active in the transfer market with three to four more signings planned. They also emphasised Aguerd’s ability to add both defensive solidity and offensive threat during set pieces.
