Aguerd set to complete Real Sociedad return

Nayef Aguerd is on the verge of becoming Real Sociedad's first summer signing. According to Mundo Deportivo, an agreement exists between the Basque club and Olympique Marseille for the Moroccan centre-back's loan move, 30 years old, for one season in exchange for €4 million, plus a non-mandatory €11 million purchase option.

The deal is expected to close in the coming days, though it depends on Aguerd passing his medical examination. The player is recovering from a pubic bone injury that has kept him sidelined. Marseille boss Bruno Genesio acknowledged after the friendly against Athletic that his departure is likely: "I don't think he's left yet; it's still being discussed, but that's not my responsibility".

Aguerd returns to Donostia after spending last season on loan from West Ham. His arrival addresses the need to strengthen a defence that conceded the most goals in La Liga, with 62 goals against. Matarazzo aims to solve one of the team's major weak points ahead of a campaign that will also include Europa League football.