The center back desired by Barcelona

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Barcelona Athletic Club

27/08/26 21:00:00

1.30 5.75 9.00

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Aymeric Laporte, a 32-year-old center-back for Athletic Bilbao, is one of Deco's top wishes to bring him to FC Barcelona to bolster the defense in the final stretch of the transfer window. His potential arrival would hinge on the club's spending on a center forward while Athletic holds him under contract until 2028.

The deal faces economic and sporting challenges. Laporte returned to Bilbao in September 2025 for around 10 million euros, so the red-and-white team is not currently open to letting him leave after just one season.

Aymeric Laporte Fits the Profile FC Barcelona Seeks

The sports management led by Deco remains open to adding a center-back, but the priority remains securing a striker before the transfer window closes.

Aymeric Laporte embodies the type of defender Barcelona is looking for: left-footed, experienced in European competitions, and capable of playing alongside Pau Cubarsí. The Spanish international has just returned to training with Athletic after this summer's World Cup.

His contractual situation complicates any progress. Laporte signed for three seasons until June 30, 2028, when he rejoined from Al-Nassr. Athletic invested around 10 million euros to bring him back and awarded him a long-term contract.

The center-back played 222 games for Athletic during his first spell before departing for Manchester City in January 2018 for 65 million euros. His return to Bilbao occurred seven years later.

The Forward Signing Determines Barcelona's Plans

The chance of acquiring Laporte depends directly on another front at FC Barcelona. Deco is working on securing a '9', and an expensive deal, like the one being studied for Lautaro Martínez, would significantly reduce the budget allocated for the center-back.

In that scenario, Barcelona would prioritize a young defender or a loan. The investment in a player like Aymeric Laporte would make more sense if a significant amount is not allocated for strengthening the front line.

Hansi Flick currently has Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, and Álvaro Cortés for the defensive line. Additionally, Jules Koundé has been gaining more prominence as a center-back after Eric García's increased role at right-back.

The aim is to add another piece to face a season with LaLiga, Copa, and Champions League competitions. Flick has managed Cubarsí's workload during preseason and did not utilize the young center-back in the Gamper to monitor his physical condition.

Athletic Bilbao Poses Challenges for the Deal

The main obstacle lies in Bilbao. Athletic Bilbao reclaimed Laporte less than a year ago after a process that even required a subsequent FIFA authorization to complete the registration after the 2025 market closure.

At that time, the player made it clear that he intended to return to Bilbao after receiving offers from other clubs, leading to a contract extension until 2028.

Deco will continue assessing opportunities until the deadline. If Barcelona does not make a high investment in a striker, Aymeric Laporte will remain the target for the sought-after center-back profile. If the offensive deal uses up the available budget, the sports management will shift efforts towards a loan or a lower-cost player.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El central deseado por el Barcelona