La Liga
The Athletic Club has seen how its summer planning has been thrown into disarray after the unexpected provisional suspension of Yeray Álvarez due to a positive result in an anti-doping test from last season. This situation not only affects the player personally but also leaves Ernesto Valverde's team in a delicate defensive position, just a month away from the start of the league.
With only Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes available, and no room for speculation, the Ibaigane institution has been forced to urgently reactivate the signing of Aymeric Laporte, as reported by EstadioDeportivo. What was initially thought of as a strategic reinforcement to strengthen the backline has now become a top priority. In fact, the club had to bring back Unai Egiluz, who had been released, to increase the squad in a line that was already at a minimum.
Laporte, top priority for Athletic
Laporte, currently with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has already been contacted. The player, with a history at the club, sees his return to Bilbao positively, where his family ties are strong. However, his annual salary of 25 million euros is a clear obstacle, although Athletic are confident that the player's desire to return to Europe will work in their favor.
Time is of the essence. Laporte's trip to Arabia this week could clarify if the transfer is viable. In Bilbao, there is no more time to wait: either he arrives now, or the team could start the season lacking defensive solidity.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Athletic cambia su hoja de ruta: Laporte ahora sí es urgente
