In recent years, Real Madrid has tried to strengthen its center-back line with a top-level defender. Injuries have caused many problems at Santiago Bernabéu, to the point that Florentino Pérez has had a starting international for Spain on his radar. Nevertheless, the decision has been clear: he won't wear white and has had to look for another destination... now heading to Athletic Club.
Aymeric Laporte is one step away from returning to Spain. The veteran defender has reached an agreement for his contract termination with Al-Nassr, waiving the year of salary he had left. This is something the coach of the Saudi team, Jorge Jesús, has confirmed, making his departure public.
At 31 years old, he has made the decision to leave Saudi Arabia, waiving the salary he was due until June 30, 2026. There is a clear reason for this: he wants to wear Spain's jersey again at the next World Cup. He knew that if he had stayed at Al-Nassr, this wouldn't have happened, so he chose to return to LaLiga, but not to the destination he most wanted.
Aymeric Laporte, rejected by Real Madrid
His name has been back on the table this summer, but he has been rejected. "Madrid-Barcelona" has learned that, although there was interest last year, Florentino has decided to move on from Aymeric Laporte. He appreciates his quality, but believes he doesn't fit into Real Madrid's current plans.
Right now, there is a crowded center-back line, but many of them keep suffering injuries. Nevertheless, the Spanish international wasn't the profile they were looking for. Absolute priority is being given to the possible arrival of Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool's defender, having given Athletic Club the green light for the return of its famous youth product.
Aymeric Laporte will play in Spain
Having obtained the termination of his contract with Al-Nassr, something the Saudis didn't give him when Madrid really wanted him, Laporte has been free to leave.
He has signed a contract with Athletic Club for the next three years, having the opportunity to step onto Santiago Bernabéu but as a visitor.
This way, Florentino Pérez has decided to step aside. Although Aymeric Laporte's priority was to play for Real Madrid, after being rejected, he will go to Bilbao. Athletic Club has taken a discard from the whites, who will become part of its starting eleven.