The highly anticipated return of Aymeric Laporte to Athletic Club has become one of the most controversial episodes of the transfer market in European football.

According to COPE, FIFA will notify the Bilbao club that they cannot register the defender in LaLiga because the documentation sent by Al Nassr did not arrive on time.

The deal, negotiated up to the final minutes of the transfer deadline, was blocked due to an administrative error reminiscent of the historic case of David De Gea in 2015.

A Signed Contract That Cannot Be Executed

Athletic had agreed with Laporte on a three-year contract, marking the Spanish international's return eight years after his departure to Manchester City. The defender, who played two seasons in Saudi Arabia, was willing to return to San Mamés to strengthen a defense in need of experience.

Nevertheless, the transfer did not reach the TMS system in time, preventing his registration in domestic competition. While Athletic submitted their documentation within the deadline, the Saudi federation failed to do so, leaving the signing in limbo.

Financially, the transfer was complex. Al Nassr had paid €27.5 million to Manchester City in 2023 and had Laporte under contract until 2026 with an annual salary of €25 million. Convincing the Arab club to release him involved lengthy negotiations to reach a fair agreement for all parties.

Eventually, Athletic, the player, and Al Nassr reached an understanding, but the delay in submitting the documentation ruined the registration. Now, the defender will remain administratively tied to the Saudi club, awaiting an official resolution.

The RFEF confirms receiving Athletic's documentation on time, while Al Nassr's arrived late and incomplete. Currently, the file is under FIFA's review, as they will have the final say on the validity of the transfer.

Pessimism reigns in Bilbao. Sources close to the club indicate that the decision will likely be negative, and the defender may only be able to officially join in the winter transfer window.

A Blow to Athletic Club

For Athletic, the inability to register Aymeric Laporte represents a major setback. The board had worked for weeks to bring back a player who, at 30 years old, brought leadership, international experience, and an emotional connection to San Mamés supporters.

If FIFA's decision is confirmed, Ernesto Valverde will have to face the beginning of the season without the most anticipated reinforcement, in a year where the club aimed to make a competitive leap in LaLiga and Europe.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, COPE: El Athletic Club se queda sin Aymeric Laporte