Athletic Bilbao complicates Laporte signing

The Athletic Club is facing an attempt to disrupt their transfer strategy for Aymeric Laporte. The last few hours have seen Juventus from Turin emerge forcefully in the operation, prepared to make a formal offer to the Spanish international center-back, who currently plays for Al‑Nassr and his contract expires in 2026.

La Vecchia Signora is determined to strengthen their defensive line and Laporte has been on their agenda for some time. According to 'Calciomercato', they are considering a three-year contract for €15 million, with around €5 million net per season, and they could offer close to €10 million to Al‑Nassr to acquire the player immediately.

For Athletic, the situation complicates significantly. The red and white club, eager to have Laporte to strengthen their defense for the Champions League debut, has had initial contacts and is willing to go up to €15 million plus variables to secure the signing. However, they face key obstacles: their financial capacity and Laporte's willingness to reduce his current salary, which in Saudi Arabia exceeds €25 million gross annually.

Athletic clings to the emotional factor

The emotional factor could play in their favor. Laporte has strong ties to Bilbao (his family resides there, and he played in Lezama before moving to Manchester City), and Ernesto Valverde considers him the ideal piece to contribute experience and solidity to the team. Nonetheless, Juventus' emergence adds powerful pressure: the Italian club has more financial muscle, immediate sports appeal, and a more compelling proposal on the table.

In conclusion, Athletic faces a critical crossroads: if they truly want to compete for Laporte, they must accelerate and raise their bid. Otherwise, there is a real risk that the Spanish defender may choose to return to Europe through Juventus, an option that aligns with his sporting and economic aspirations.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Athletic de Bilbao se complica el fichaje de Laporte