After weeks of uncertainty, Aymeric Laporte is now officially back at Athletic Club. Softfootball understands that FIFA stepped in with a ruling that cleared his registration, ending a messy dispute with Al-Nassr over delayed paperwork. The defender is now free to play, and San Mamés will soon welcome him back home.
The agreement between Athletic, Al-Nassr and Laporte had been in place since September 1, but everything stalled when FIFA initially rejected the move on September 3. Al-Nassr submitted their documents too late to the transfer system, leaving Laporte’s future hanging by a thread. For Athletic, who had already fought hard to bring him back, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
The club didn’t sit still. With backing from the Spanish Football Federation, they appealed, and on September 11, FIFA reversed its earlier stance, ruling that the transfer could go through and giving the green light for Laporte’s international clearance.
Atletic Club made the announcement on the team’s official X handle, and they also posted a video signifying the Spanish defender had just returned home which he reposted.
They tweeted:
Athletic Club wishes to inform you that FIFA has authorized the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain the International Transfer Certificate (CTI) from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. Once said CTI is issued, the player Aymeric Laporte can be registered with Athletic Club.
Watch the video below:
Athletic reportedly had to pay around €10 million to help resolve the situation with Al-Nassr. Even so, the 31-year-old French-born defender turned down other offers, making it clear he wanted only Bilbao.
For Athletic fans, this is more than just a signing. Laporte grew up at the club and left in 2018 for Manchester City, winning trophies in England before heading to Saudi Arabia. Now, with his return, the team gains leadership and valuable experience at the back.
As one club insider put it, “It took longer than we hoped, but he’s finally home.”
Laporte is expected to join training immediately and could feature in Athletic’s squad later this month.
