Laporte keeps the door open for Barcelona

Aymeric Laporte, a 32-year-old center-back from Athletic Club, has confirmed that Barcelona showed interest in signing him during the last summer transfer window, although the refusal from the Bilbao team prevented his departure. In an interview given to La Vanguardia, the Spanish international did not rule out playing someday at Camp Nou, but acknowledged that his age might complicate a future transfer.

The interest from Barcelona in Laporte stems from the search for a left-footed center-back for Hansi Flick's defense. Deco considered his incorporation during the planning of the last transfer window, but Athletic Club did not want to negotiate the departure of one of their defenders. Now, the statements from the player himself again place his name in the market scene.

Laporte confirms Barcelona's interest and leaves the door open for his departure

Laporte acknowledged that there was interest from Barcelona, although he explained that the position of Athletic Club was decisive in preventing the transfer. The red-and-white team did not contemplate losing the Spanish international during the summer and ended up blocking any possibility of an agreement.

The center-back also did not completely rule out a future move to the Catalan team. When asked if the option was definitively closed, he made it clear that changes could still occur, although he admitted that the passage of time works against him.

Laporte's contractual situation also conditions any movement. The defender returned to Athletic in September 2025, after his stint in Saudi Arabia, and has a contract until June 2028. Therefore, Barcelona would need to negotiate with the Bilbao club to secure his signing before his contract ends.

The operation already faced difficulties during the previous transfer window. Athletic Club had no intention of facilitating his exit, and the financial valuation that leaked, of up to 80 million euros, placed the possible transfer outside the parameters that Barcelona was considering to strengthen their defense.

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The connection with Cubarsí enhances Laporte's appeal for Flick

One of the factors explaining Barcelona's interest is the understanding that Laporte has developed with Pau Cubarsí in the Spanish national team. Both shared the center of defense during the 2026 World Cup, won by Spain, and established a partnership that the Athletic center-back valued during the interview.

Laporte particularly highlighted Cubarsí's maturity, who is 19 years old, and explained that there is a good relationship between the two outside the pitch. The veteran defender believes that his experience can help the Barcelona player, while the youth of his teammate brings other solutions to the pairing.

This connection also fits with Flick's sporting needs. The German coach seeks center-backs capable of initiating play from the back, interpreting opponents' movements, and providing security in the build-up. Laporte has experience in LaLiga, the Premier League, and international football, in addition to knowing how Barcelona operates through his national team colleagues.

In the same conversation, the defender also spoke about Rodri, with whom he coincided at Manchester City and in Spain. He valued his importance in organizing play and considered that his return to Spanish football aligns with his characteristics as a midfielder.

Athletic Club holds the final say on his future

Laporte's return to Bilbao in 2025 was related to his personal and sporting ties with Athletic Club. In fact, in an interview given to Cadena SER in September 2026, he explained that he had received financially superior proposals but that his priority was to return to the team where he was trained.

This commitment helps to understand the difficulties Barcelona faced during the summer. The Bilbao club has an international player, a world champion, with a valid contract for two more seasons after the current campaign.

For now, Laporte's statements do not confirm negotiations for the upcoming market nor a formal request for departure. His willingness not to rule out Barcelona keeps a sporting opportunity open, but any progress will depend on Athletic's position and the economic conditions that the Catalan entity may propose.

At 32 years old and under contract until 2028, Laporte knows that the margin for another significant team change is decreasing. The upcoming winter market currently has no confirmed moves, so the center-back's future will continue to be conditioned by his continued presence in Bilbao and a potential decision from Barcelona to revisit his candidacy.