UEFA Champions League
FC Barcelona has ended negotiations to sign Aymeric Laporte, a 32-year-old center-back, in the final stretch of the transfer market after Athletic Club refused to discuss his departure. A tough blow for Barcelona's transfer market.
Although the Spanish international was willing to join Barcelona and had the support of Joan Laporta to reach an agreement initially valued at 15 million euros, the stance of the Bilbao board forced the Catalan club to withdraw from the bidding.
The request from Hansi Flick based on the performance of the 2026 World Cup
The arrival of the defender was a priority for coach Hansi Flick to strengthen the left profile of the defense in the 2026-2027 season. The German coach based his request on the solidity shown by the duo of Laporte and Pau Cubarsí in winning the 2026 World Cup with the Spanish national team, where the team only conceded 1 goal in 7 matches.
🚨 Athletic Club defender Aymeric Laporte was keen on joining Barcelona this summer, with Joan Laporta also onboard.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 3, 2026
Barcelona were initially told the Spain international could be available for around €15M and began exploring a deal.
Barca backed out after learning Athletic… pic.twitter.com/igMTRTbFrJ
Barcelona's football department explored the economic conditions after reports indicated the deal could be finalized for 15 million euros. However, formal discussions did not progress due to the Basque team's decision not to part ways with their key defenders.
The stance of Athletic Club and Barcelona's defensive planning
Athletic Club closed the door to any direct negotiation for the 32-year-old center-back, demanding compliance with the existing contractual terms to authorize his transfer to a direct rival in LaLiga. Unable to structure a transfer agreed upon before the registration deadline, the Catalan board canceled the negotiations to avoid compromising the salary cap.
With the refusal of the Bilbao club, the first team will maintain the current central defensive structure to face LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League commitments. Laporte will continue at San Mamés for this season.
The sporting direction led by Deco will monitor the market for left-sided central defenders during the first 3 months of the competition. Flick's coaching staff will assess in December 2026 whether the team needs to recruit a specialist in the January 2027 window or maintain the defensive unit until the end of the season.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El motivo real por el que Laporte no fichó por el Barcelona
