Aymeric Laporte is set for an emotional return to Athletic Bilbao after agreeing to leave Saudi side Al Nassr. The Spanish defender had been weighing up his future, with Galatasaray, Premier League sides, and even Serie A clubs showing interest, but Bilbao was always his priority. His move comes right after Al Nassr strengthened their defense with the arrival of Íñigo Martínez from Barcelona, which paved the way for Laporte’s exit.
Softfootball understands that at least five clubs tried to sign Laporte, but he turned them all down in favor of a move back to San Mamés. It is no news that Athletic Bilbao pushed hard to make the deal happen, and Laporte himself insisted on returning to the club where he made his name.
According to Transfer Journalist Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed the reunion between the two parties via his official X handle, He said:
“BREAKING: Aymeric Laporte to Athletic Club, here we go! Back to Bilbao as he wanted.
Deal agreed right now with Al Nassr as documents being exchanged right now.
Laporte, set to travel as he rejected over 5 clubs for Athletic Club.”
Laporte’s decision is seen as a huge statement of loyalty,remebering your roots and where you started out from, especially in an era where many players chase the biggest financial deals. With his experience at Manchester City, where he won multiple Premier League titles, and his recent spell in Saudi Arabia, Bilbao fans will hope his return brings both leadership and defensive solidity to the team.
